Perez Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was hospitalized Tuesday evening following a TikTok livestream that showed him seemingly covered in blood and holding a knife. Friends and family are attributing the incident to overwhelming stress and a recent move, with the celebrity blogger reportedly saying his first words in the hospital were "I need help."
According to a longtime friend, hours before the distressing livestream, Hilton was reportedly acting normally, discussing future projects and chasing pop culture scoops. The source stated that Hilton had woken up in his Miami home and was engaged in his usual work routine. However, the situation took a severe turn that evening.
Miami-Dade Sheriff's Department deputies responded to Hilton's home after receiving multiple calls from viewers reporting the alarming TikTok broadcast. Dispatch audio indicated officers were responding to an apparent suicide attempt. Hilton was transported to a hospital for medical attention after a prolonged presence by law enforcement at his residence.
Hilton's family confirmed in a statement that his children, niece, and sister were present in the home shortly before the livestream. They immediately removed the children to protect them from witnessing further trauma. The family's priority is now on helping the children heal and regain a sense of security. Hilton has three children, a son and two daughters, who he raises with the support of his mother, Teresita Lavandeira.
Sources close to Hilton suggest that recent life changes may have contributed to his mental health crisis. He recently moved from Las Vegas to Miami earlier this summer, a transition he found difficult. A friend noted that Hilton confided he was missing Las Vegas and felt overwhelmed by the move, though they initially attributed his stress to the relocation rather than a deeper issue.
This incident follows a serious health scare in March, when Hilton was hospitalized for sepsis and other medical issues. He underwent two surgeries and spent 21 days in the hospital. Following this experience, he became a born-again Christian and launched a line of religious-themed clothing to address financial pressures, though some friends found the sudden pivot to religion unusual.
Friends also indicated that Hilton had been struggling with the perception of his career's trajectory, noting that seeing others on platforms like TikTok achieve similar fame to what he once commanded was challenging. While he had reportedly signed a deal to host a show about cyberbullying, payment and role finalization were pending. Reports also suggest he had been facing financial difficulties and struggling to find work.
Hilton's mother is reportedly devastated by the situation and is currently caring for the children, having informed the Department of Children and Families that she is willing to provide care for as long as needed. Hilton had previously made arrangements naming his mother as guardian of his children should anything happen to him. Despite his public persona, a source emphasized that "No one deserves this."