Perez Hilton’s family revealed they “immediately fled” the blogger’s Miami home when he began harming himself during a public livestream on Tuesday. His children, niece, and sister were inside the home minutes before the incident, according to a statement released by the family on Hilton’s website on Thursday.
The family stated that when it became apparent Perez Hilton was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they "immediately fled to protect" his three children—Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8—"from witnessing any further trauma."
"Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced," the statement read. "An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy."
According to the statement, the "events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable" for the family, who also expressed gratitude for the "overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers" from fans.
Hilton was hospitalized Tuesday following the self-harm incident that was broadcast on a livestream. Police responded to reports of a "suicide attempt," according to 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six. The family has pledged to continue providing updates on Hilton's condition via his website. The statement concluded with a plea for continued "compassion, understanding, and continued prayers."