Perez Hilton Reconnecting with Children During Treatment
The gossip blogger is having supervised visits with his children and mother as he continues residential treatment for mental health.
Gossip blogger Perez Hilton is beginning to reconnect with his children and mother while remaining in a residential treatment center following a self-harm incident he livestreamed.
According to an update posted on his website, Hilton, 48, has had short, supervised visits with his three children—Mario, 13; Mia, 11; and Mayte, eight—and his mother, who has been caring for them. Initially, these interactions were through video calls, but they have progressed to in-person meetings at the facility.
'Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez,' a statement from his representatives said. 'There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing.'
Hilton's team has maintained limited communication with him to allow him to focus on his recovery. The priority is for him to work with his care team to understand the causes of his mental health crisis, identify warning signs, and learn coping mechanisms. It is unclear when he will transition from the residential facility to an outpatient program.
A GoFundMe campaign, set up by longtime friend Tom D'Angora, aims to support Hilton's mother in caring for his children. D'Angora emphasized that all funds raised will directly benefit Hilton's mother and children, covering additional expenses incurred by their grandmother taking on full-time care. Hilton's mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has expressed gratitude for the support.
Hilton entered the residential treatment program voluntarily, with his family stating it was an important step for his recovery, though a long road lies ahead. He is expected to remain in treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on his care team's recommendations. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., does not have access to a phone or laptop during his treatment.
His children are staying with their grandmother in Miami, Florida, who is providing them with stability and routine. The family has expressed deep gratitude for her efforts. Visits between Hilton and his children must be supervised by an approved family member or therapist, and require psychiatric clearance beforehand, according to TMZ.
The incident occurred several months after Hilton relocated from Las Vegas back to his hometown of Miami. On August 4, he was found by his sister after what appeared to be a self-harm livestream on TikTok. The platform banned his account after the broadcast was stopped. Responding deputies treated him for lacerations and an overdose before he was transported to a hospital under Florida's Baker Act, which permits temporary involuntary holds for individuals experiencing mental health crises. His family confirmed he sustained significant blood loss and multiple broken bones, adding that he is receiving help and is surrounded by supportive loved ones.