Internet personality Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., remains hospitalized after a TikTok livestream on Tuesday night depicted him self-harming with a knife, prompting a significant police response and concern from fans and colleagues.
His family released a statement Wednesday, confirming Hilton was receiving medical care and that their focus is on his well-being. "We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support and prayers," the statement read. "We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care and our family's focus right now is on his well-being."
Law enforcement was dispatched to Hilton's Miami home shortly after 7 p.m. Tuesday after receiving multiple emergency calls regarding his behavior on the livestream. Surveillance video captured several police cruisers arriving at the residence. Officers attempted to coax Hilton out of the home, with deputies from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office heard on the footage calling his name and urging him not to harm himself.
Clips from the livestream, which have since been removed and led to Hilton's TikTok account being suspended, reportedly showed a blood-soaked Hilton speaking incoherently. The Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office stated that deputies "tactically disengaged" after confirming Hilton was alone inside, prioritizing de-escalation techniques when dealing with individuals experiencing a mental health crisis.
Authorities later confirmed that Hilton had been "safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention." The sheriff's office Crisis Response Unit and mental health professionals remained at the scene to support Hilton's family. Hilton is a father of three children, born via surrogacy.
Representatives for Hilton stated they had been unable to make direct contact but that their primary concern was his health and well-being. They requested privacy during this time.
Fellow celebrities and fans have expressed concern and sent messages of support. Trisha Paytas shared her hope that Hilton is okay and that his children are safe, noting that such an event, regardless of its reality, is a "cry for help." Singer Jessica Rosado, who knows Hilton personally, expressed being at a loss for words and conveyed her love to him and his family. Former politician George Santos also posted on X, formerly Twitter, asking for prayers for Hilton.
Some social media users criticized TikTok for allowing the disturbing livestream to remain active for an extended period, arguing the platform should be held liable for exposing viewers, including children, to a person in distress.
This incident follows a recent health scare for Hilton. In March, he revealed he had spent 21 days in the hospital battling sepsis, which he attributed to taking flu medication on an empty stomach. During his recovery, Hilton spoke about finding God and experiencing a spiritual healing that helped him forgive himself for past mistakes made during his two-decade career in celebrity journalism. He previously stated he would not change professions, clarifying that his work is "celebrity journalism" rather than "gossip."