Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., remains hospitalized after a self-harm incident last Tuesday night, during which he livestreamed himself repeatedly cutting his body. The 48-year-old was taken into custody under Florida's Baker Act, a statute that allows for the temporary involuntary detention of individuals experiencing a mental health crisis. He is being treated for significant blood loss and undisclosed injuries.
Sources close to the situation indicate that Hilton is likely to face lifelong scarring from the wounds. A friend stated that while Hilton acknowledges something serious has occurred, he is not currently in a state to fully process the events. "This is not going to be something where in five days, I'm like, 'he's fine,' This is months, maybe years," the friend commented.
Upon medical discharge, Hilton is not expected to return home but will be transferred to a secure psychiatric facility. Specialists will have 72 hours to assess his mental health. According to Mark Astor, a Florida attorney specializing in Baker Act cases, the likelihood of Hilton being released within that timeframe is slim.
Astor explained that three possibilities exist: Hilton could be released, agree to voluntary stay, or a petition for involuntary placement could be filed. The latter would lead to a Miami-Dade judge holding a hearing within five days to determine if Hilton should remain committed. These proceedings are typically confidential.
While patients can be held for a maximum of six months, Astor predicted a 30-day order might be more realistic in Hilton's case. The intervention of his family, particularly his mother Teresita Lavandeira and sister Barbara Giarraffa, could influence the outcome. They may seek to have Hilton transferred to a private facility, which can cost between $15,000 and $30,000 per month, or apply for guardianship to make his healthcare decisions.
Hilton's three children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, are currently in the custody of their grandmother. Family members decided against them visiting Hilton in the hospital, fearing it would be too traumatic. The children were present at Hilton's Miami home during the erratic behavior that preceded the incident, after which Teresita Lavandeira ushered them out and called for assistance. Police were called to the residence and observed Hilton before a decision was made to monitor the situation.
Dispatch records from the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office classified the incident as a "suicide attempt." Hilton had recently moved to Miami from Las Vegas to focus on his family after a severe bout of sepsis required hospitalization and two surgeries earlier this year. He had described this near-death experience as a catalyst for becoming a born-again Christian.
A statement released by Hilton's team confirmed his condition remains serious but stable, noting that he sustained "additional injuries that will require surgery in the coming days." The statement emphasized that his treatment and recovery will be a lengthy process and requested privacy for his family as they focus on his care. The statement also confirmed that his children are safe and being cared for by immediate family.