Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office deputies responded to the home of media personality Perez Hilton on Tuesday after receiving multiple calls alleging he was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media. The TikTok livestream reportedly appeared to show Hilton harming himself with a knife, with visible blood on his torso and face.
Deputies spoke with family members at the scene and opted to "tactically disengage while continuing to monitor the situation," according to a statement from the sheriff's office. The department cited de-escalation tactics, which involve creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication, as a priority in incidents involving individuals experiencing mental health crises or actively harming themselves. This approach aims to minimize risks to the individual, deputies, and the public, including reducing the potential for a "suicide-by-cop encounter."
Representatives for Hilton, Golden Artists Entertainment, acknowledged awareness of the "concerning content circulating online involving our client." The statement added that they had not been able to make direct contact with him despite ongoing efforts, and that their primary concern is his health and well-being, as well as that of his family.
ABC News has reached out to TikTok for comment. For those struggling with thoughts of suicide, confidential help is available 24/7 by calling or texting the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988.