Perez Hilton, the 48-year-old celebrity blogger, is recovering in a Florida hospital following a disturbing livestream incident in August during which he appeared to harm himself with a butcher's knife. The incident occurred months after Hilton announced he had found religion and experienced a spiritual awakening.
Sources close to Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., suggest he believes he was under a "spiritual attack" during the livestream. According to an insider, Hilton feels the "devil is not happy that he became a Christian" and was attempting to thwart his newfound faith. This perspective aligns with biblical interpretations that suggest increased spiritual attacks as one draws closer to Christ.
In March 2026, Hilton shared an emotional Instagram video detailing a near-fatal battle with a stomach ulcer and severe sepsis. During this period, he reported a profound spiritual experience, stating, "God presented himself to me. I was never a believer until now." He described this encounter as miraculous and life-changing, attributing his survival to divine intervention. He also apologized for his past "selfish" behavior, expressed shame and regret, and vowed to take his three children to church. He claimed God had instructed him to sell his $4 million Las Vegas home and move to Miami.
Following his apparent spiritual transformation, Hilton posted another video apologizing for the bullying and humiliation he had inflicted on celebrities throughout his career. He stated he had reached out to make amends privately and publicly to dozens of people, acknowledging that his focus on "views, the attention, the money" had led to public animosity.
However, the August livestream took a dark turn. Hilton was found naked and with multiple cuts from a large knife before police intervened. He has since been hospitalized under Florida's Baker Act, which permits the temporary, involuntary detention of individuals experiencing mental health crises. His injuries included dozens of cuts requiring stitches and broken bones, reportedly from a fall, which have affected his mobility.
During his hospitalization, Hilton has been unable to see his children—Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, eight—who were present in the house during the livestream incident and were taken outside by his sister Barbara. Hilton's mother, Teresita, has been granted temporary custody, and a Miami judge has approved supervised hospital visits for Hilton, contingent on psychiatric clearance and supervision by an approved family member or therapist.
While recovering, Hilton is reportedly focused on prayer and reading the Bible. Sources indicate that his wounds are healing well, providing a much-needed boost to his morale. He is said to be regaining clarity, understanding the need for comprehensive treatment—medical, psychological, emotional, and spiritual—and recognizing his worth and the importance of his family. Before the recent crisis, Hilton was reportedly exploring ventures beyond his once-influential blog, but these initiatives had reportedly stalled. The livestream initially caused a surge in website traffic, though it has since declined. Hilton, now cut off from his phone and the internet, remains under medical supervision as he continues his recovery, relying heavily on his faith for guidance.