Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, Jr., revealed in a recent interview that he privately reached out to several celebrities to apologize for his past coverage of their personal lives. These efforts to make amends reportedly occurred in the weeks leading up to an incident where he was hospitalized following a livestream of apparent self-harm.
During an appearance on Sean Hannity's program, Hilton stated, "I've made amends, or tried to, with a lot of people." He specifically mentioned reaching out to Britney Spears, though the interaction was relayed through an intermediary. Hilton also shared that Khloé Kardashian responded to his apology, describing her as "very kind."
Hilton, 48, also discussed his evolving perspective on celebrity coverage, referencing a conversation with Nick Cannon that shifted his thinking from "cancel culture" to "counsel culture." He admitted to having been "cancelled so many times" himself and stated that he no longer engages in past practices such as "mocking celebrities’ bodies and appearances, speculating about sexuality."
"I realized what I was doing was wrong," Hilton told Hannity. "I could still be fun, but I don’t have to be so cheap, and I don’t have to be so cruel."
He described his past coverage of celebrities as a "scarlet letter" that he carries with him. Hilton also recounted apologizing to Neil Patrick Harris, with whom he had a contentious relationship in the past after Hilton campaigned to out the actor. Harris reportedly asked Hilton to contribute to his 2014 memoir, "Choose Your Own Autobiography," which Hilton did.
Earlier this week, Hilton was hospitalized after authorities responded to his Miami home following a 911 call that dispatch audio described as a "suicide attempt." His family issued a statement Wednesday confirming he is "receiving medical care" and is "able to communicate," adding that they are "taking things one step at a time and keeping our focus where it belongs, on Perez and his recovery."
An insider cited mounting financial pressures from hospitalizations and medical bills earlier in the year as contributing factors to his stress.