TJ Jackson, son of Tito Jackson and nephew of the late Michael Jackson, faced fan criticism for expressing prayers for embattled gossip blogger Perez Hilton following a disturbing self-harm incident. Hilton was hospitalized after a TikTok livestream in which he was seen self-harming with a knife.
Jackson, 48, defended his compassionate stance on X, formerly Twitter, stating that he was not raised to wish ill upon others, regardless of their past actions. This came after multiple replies suggested Hilton, also 48, did not deserve sympathy due to his controversial history.
"He hasn’t been nice to many celebs including my family. Nevertheless I never want to see anyone broken and in such a dark place. I am praying for his healing and his health," Jackson initially posted. He explained that his family instilled values that prevented him from experiencing joy in Hilton's misfortunes.
"Again, I know he was absolutely awful to so many (including my family) but I just wasn't raised or taught to want worse for people. It's just not the way," Jackson declared. "There is no beauty in 'revenge' or joy in 'karma.'"
His defense of Hilton, who infamously spread false claims about Michael Jackson's death in 2009, continued into Thursday. Hilton had alleged that reports of Jackson's cardiac arrest were a publicity stunt for his planned London residency. After Jackson's death was confirmed, Hilton deleted the post and replaced it with links to news reports.
Jackson urged people to offer Hilton privacy during his recovery. "I believe he (yes, even he) deserves privacy and will pray for his healing and strength for his kids and family during this painful time and hope you all do too," he concluded. He also shared a quote from Martin Luther King Jr.: "I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear."
Perez Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was taken to a hospital Tuesday evening after police responded to his Miami home following alarming behavior on a livestream. The incident occurred while his children, niece, and sister were reportedly at the residence. According to a statement released on Hilton's website, his family immediately left to shield the children from further trauma during what was described as a severe mental health crisis.
The statement also conveyed gratitude for the outpouring of support and requested privacy for Hilton's children as they begin to heal. Hilton, who launched his gossip blog in 2004, has three children, all born via surrogacy.