Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., remains hospitalized following a suicide attempt on August 4. His sister, Barbara Lavandeira, has provided an update on his condition, stating that his recovery will be a lengthy process.

"Mario remains hospitalized and continues to receive medical treatment for his injuries," Barbara told Page Six in an exclusive interview. "His physical and mental recovery is going to take a lot of time, but we remain hopeful." Hilton is currently without access to a cell phone, social media, or the internet, with the focus of those around him on his healing.

While specific details of Hilton's injuries and treatment are considered private, Barbara confirmed that he sustained cuts to his face and other areas. "He has a long road ahead of him, both physically and mentally," she stated.

Regarding Hilton's memory of the incident, Barbara noted that visits and conversations have been limited, deferring to medical professionals for any discussions about his recollection when he is ready.

Care for His Children

Barbara and their mother, Teresita Lavandeira, are currently caring for Hilton's three children: Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8. Teresita filed for temporary custody of the children on August 7, a request Hilton voluntarily consented to. Barbara clarified that this is a temporary legal arrangement to allow their mother to make decisions during Hilton's treatment and recovery, not a permanent removal of the children from his care.

"Our main priority is making sure they are safe, supported, and surrounded by people who love them," Barbara said of the children. "They’re trying to process something no child should ever have to experience."

The Incident and Preceding Events

Barbara recounted the harrowing experience of discovering her brother on August 4. She described finding him in the bathroom, injured and bleeding, in a state she described as unrecognizable. She immediately fled the home with the children and contacted authorities.

In the weeks leading up to the incident, Hilton had been hospitalized for "severe depression." He had expressed feelings of emptiness and hopelessness to his mother and sister and admitted to taking leftover painkillers from a March surgery, which resulted in an ulcer, perforation, and sepsis, leading to a three-week hospitalization. He later underwent emergency surgery for a blood clot.

Barbara stated that Hilton voluntarily sought hospitalization for his mental health issues approximately two weeks before the August 4 incident. He was discharged after several days of evaluation and treatment and appeared to be improving. He had returned to therapy sessions on August 3 and had completed an intake call for an intensive outpatient program on August 4, with group therapy scheduled for the following week.

Barbara suggested that a combination of factors, including severe depression, lingering effects from his hospitalizations, sleep deprivation, potential medication reactions, and the mix of prescription and over-the-counter medications taken that day, may have contributed to the event.

Public Statement and Blog Operations

Barbara explained her decision to speak with Page Six was to address rumors and provide accurate information, as Hilton has historically been an open book about his life. She stated she is sharing her personal experience and observations.

While Hilton focuses on his recovery, his family is working to continue operations of his blog, Perezhilton.com. "His absence will definitely affect how much news we’re able to publish, but we’re focused on continuing operations and covering as many of the biggest entertainment stories as we can while he’s unable to participate in creating content," Barbara said. Any long-term decisions about the website and his social media platforms will be made by Hilton himself when he is healthy and ready.

The family expressed deep gratitude for the support from Hilton's fans, stating, "The support has meant more to us than I can properly express."