TikTok has stated that a livestream by Perez Hilton, which appeared to depict self-harm, remained online for 15 to 20 minutes due to a "moderator error." The social media platform's U.S. representative addressed the issue in a statement to Deadline, explaining the delay in removing the content.

According to the statement, the livestream violated TikTok's community guidelines and was flagged for removal within minutes of its commencement. Despite this, the platform indicated that law enforcement was contacted and that while several streams were shut down within 90 seconds, Hilton's livestream persisted due to the error. Hilton's account was subsequently deactivated and banned.

The incident led to Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., being hospitalized. Authorities responded to a call reporting a "suicide attempt" at his Miami home on Tuesday evening. Law enforcement officers were heard on dispatch audio requesting Lavandeira Jr. to exit the residence. He was safely recovered and transported to a local hospital for medical care, according to reports.

In updates from his family, they confirmed he is "receiving medical care" and is "able to communicate." They requested privacy during this difficult time and stated their focus is on his well-being. The family also disclosed that his children, niece, and sister were present in the home and left to protect the children from further trauma when it became apparent Hilton was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself.

Prior to this incident, a source indicated that Hilton had been under significant pressure, including substantial medical bills following two hospitalizations earlier in the year. He had also recently relocated from Las Vegas to Miami. In a pre-recorded interview with Sean Hannity released on Thursday, Hilton mentioned reaching out to various celebrities, including Britney Spears and Khloe Kardashian, to make amends for his past reporting. He noted that some individuals did not respond, which he accepted.

For those affected by mental health crises, resources are available. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline can be reached at 800-273-TALK (8255), and the Crisis Text Line can be contacted by texting 741741.