Katie Price has voiced her deep concern for her friend, celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, who was hospitalized after a TikTok livestream during which he reportedly self-harmed with a knife.
Hilton was taken to the hospital by ambulance on Tuesday night. A statement from his family on Wednesday indicated that while he is now able to communicate, he remains under medical care. Price and Hilton developed an unlikely friendship after Price moved to Los Angeles in 2008 and later appeared together on Celebrity Big Brother in 2015.
"I am really concerned for Perez and his mental health. It's so sad to see him like this," Price told The Sun. She added that they had recently exchanged messages about surrogacy and that she was shocked by the events. Price acknowledged their past public disagreements but highlighted a moment in 2018 when Hilton publicly defended her against trolling.
Hilton's family expressed gratitude for the public's support and prayers, stating that their family has had limited information due to hospital confidentiality measures. They confirmed that Hilton is able to communicate, which has provided them with hope, and requested continued prayers, understanding, and grace as he recovers. They also noted that updates will be shared via PerezHilton.com.
Chris Booker, Hilton's podcast co-host, also released a statement expressing profound sadness for Hilton and his family. He mentioned having brief communication with the family and that their collective focus is on Hilton's health, with the future of their podcast shows to be determined.
Surveillance footage captured police arriving at Hilton's Miami home on Tuesday evening after concerned fans alerted 911 to his behavior during the livestream. Officers reportedly attempted to coax Hilton out of the house. Video clips from the livestream appeared to show a blood-soaked Hilton. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office stated that officers prioritized de-escalation techniques and that Hilton was safely recovered and transported to a local hospital. The sheriff's office crisis response unit and mental health professionals remained at the scene to support the family.
Hilton, who is a father to three children born via surrogacy, had his TikTok account suspended and the video removed. His representatives stated they had not been able to make direct contact with him but that his health and well-being were their primary concern.
In March, Hilton underwent two surgeries during a 21-day hospital stay for sepsis, which he attributed to taking flu medication on an empty stomach. During his recovery, he spoke about finding God and experiencing a miraculous healing, which he said helped him change his mindset about his career. Hilton has previously acknowledged past mistakes and regrets from his career as a celebrity blogger, describing a phase where he was driven by attention and disregarded the harm caused to others. He clarified that he considers himself a celebrity journalist rather than a gossip columnist.