Barbara Lavandeira, sister of celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, has broken her silence to share details of her brother's suicide attempt on August 4th and the subsequent efforts to save his life and aid his recovery. In an interview with Page Six, Lavandeira described the harrowing events of that day, aiming to correct rumors and provide clarity for those concerned about Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr.
Lavandeira recounted that on the afternoon of August 4th, her brother was in his bedroom with the door locked, which was unusual. When he stopped responding, she entered the bathroom to find him severely injured and in distress. She stated that she immediately secured the children, called the police, and arranged for them to be taken away from the scene.
Following the incident, Hilton was transported to the hospital, where he remains. Lavandeira explained that his recovery, both physically and mentally, will be a lengthy process. Hilton is currently without access to his phone, social media, or the internet as his medical team focuses on his treatment and well-being.
Reflecting on the period leading up to the incident, Lavandeira revealed that Hilton had endured an exceptionally difficult year. In March, he was hospitalized for nearly a month due to sepsis, coding multiple times and undergoing abdominal surgery. This health crisis placed significant stress on his body and mind, leading to struggles with depression and anxiety after his release.
Hilton had recently relocated from Las Vegas to Miami with his mother and three children in June, seeking a fresh start and a stronger support system. However, he began experiencing doubts about the move, finding it a financial strain and an impulsive decision. Despite being closer to family, he continued to struggle with his mental health, attending therapy sessions and being prescribed antidepressants.
Lavandeira described a critical conversation approximately two weeks before August 4th, when Hilton admitted to feeling empty and hopeless and confessed to taking leftover painkillers from his March surgery. He was voluntarily admitted to a hospital for evaluation and treatment. Although he seemed better after his discharge and was engaging with therapy and an intensive outpatient program, the events of August 4th unfolded shortly thereafter.
While Lavandeira is not a medical professional and cannot pinpoint the exact cause of her brother's actions, she acknowledged that severe depression, lingering effects from his prior hospitalization, sleep deprivation, and potential medication interactions could have been contributing factors. She emphasized that her brother was not well that day and continues to need help.
Regarding Hilton's children, Lavandeira stated that their primary focus is ensuring their safety and support. Their grandmother is caring for them, and the family is working to provide stability and professional assistance as the children process the traumatic experience. Lavandeira also clarified that the family is seeking temporary legal arrangements for their mother to make decisions for the children while Hilton recovers, refuting claims that they are attempting to permanently remove the children from his care.
Lavandeira expressed the pain caused by public comments labeling the incident as 'karma,' highlighting that her family is experiencing profound heartbreak. She acknowledged her brother's past actions in the gossip industry, noting his public apologies and efforts over the past 20 years to change and become a better person, emphasizing that his children and mother are innocent and should not be subjected to further torment.
She described the person she knows today as Mario, her brother, son, father, and friend, profoundly changed by fatherhood. She stated that while he is not perfect, he has acknowledged his mistakes and worked to grow, with his children remaining the center of his life.
The family is taking recovery one day at a time, with no set timeline for Hilton's return home. Lavandeira concluded by expressing deep gratitude for the public's kind messages, prayers, and genuine concern, noting that any future statements from Hilton will come directly from him when he is ready and medically cleared to speak.