Perez Hilton recovering in hospital after reports he self-harmed during livestream
Miami police told US media outlets the celebrity blogger had been "safely recovered" from his home.
US blogger Perez Hilton is currently recovering in a hospital after concerned individuals reported seeing him engage in self-harm during a TikTok livestream.
Emergency services were dispatched to Hilton's Miami residence on Tuesday following reports from viewers about a man "livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media." The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office informed US media that an individual had been "safely recovered" and transported to "a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention." Police also stated that their crisis response unit and licensed mental health professionals were "on scene providing support and resources to the individual's family."
For those affected by similar issues, assistance and support are available through BBC Action Line.
Police confirmed that Hilton, whose legal name is Mario Lavandeira, was alone at home during the livestream, and his TikTok account was suspended shortly thereafter.
In a statement provided to outlets including the LA Times, Newsweek, and Rolling Stone, the Miami sheriff's office did not explicitly name Hilton but confirmed their response to reports of a man harming himself. After speaking with family members at the scene, deputies opted to "tactically disengage while continuing to monitor the situation," according to police.
Their statement elaborated: "In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritise de-escalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication. Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimise the risk of injury to the individual, deputies and the public." "Suicide by cop" is a US term describing instances where individuals provoke police into using lethal force to end their own lives.
A subsequent update from the Sheriff's Office confirmed the man's transport to a hospital and the presence of mental health professionals offering "support and resources to the individual's family."
BBC News has sought comments from Hilton's representatives, TikTok, and Miami police.
Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, Hilton's managers, issued a joint statement to outlets including Variety, saying they were "aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton. At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez's health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further. We appreciate everyone's concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time."
Hilton gained prominence in the early 2000s through his popular and sometimes controversial celebrity gossip website. He adopted the stage name Perez Hilton as a nod to Paris Hilton, a prominent celebrity at the time. His often sharp commentary drew criticism over the years from figures such as Miley Cyrus, Khloe Kardashian, Mila Kunis, and his former friend Lady Gaga.
However, in recent years, Hilton has apologized for harsh comments made early in his career and has worked to rebrand his online presence, reflecting broader shifts in online culture and celebrity news coverage. He has embraced a kinder, more family-friendly public image and fatherhood, having three children via surrogacy.
In his 2020 memoir, he wrote, "I have a ton of regrets, particularly because I now see that I never needed to be so mean or cruel. One of the many things I regret is that I hurt so many people by giving them nasty nicknames, and above all that I was unkind to the children of celebrities."
Hilton continues to cover showbiz news through his online blog, social media platforms, and weekly podcast.
Related articles include "How I overcame self-harm" and "Perez Hilton: 'I never needed to be so cruel'."