This story discusses self-harm. If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988, or go to 988lifeline.org, to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. You can also call the network, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, at 800-273-8255, or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.
Perez Hilton’s family is speaking out after police responded to the celebrity blogger’s home in Miami following a livestream in which he allegedly engaged in self-harm.
Hilton is currently receiving medical care, according to the statement from the blogger’s family and team that was shared Aug. 5 on his website.
The statement comes after reports of “someone who was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media” the night before, a Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office spokesperson told NBC News. The person was “safely recovered,” the sheriff’s office said. Police did not identify Hilton by name.
“Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez,” said the statement, signed “The Perez Hilton Team and Family.” “We are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers.”
The family added that their “focus right now is on his well-being.”
“We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time,” the statement said.
The livestream was posted to TikTok before the platform pulled the video. It appeared to show Hilton, covered in blood and holding a knife with signs of injuries. Concerned viewers commented on the livestream, asking for his contact information and offering to call for help.
According to a TikTok U.S. spokesperson, the social media platform’s automated moderator systems flagged the livestream within minutes. Then, the U.S. moderation team reviewed it and law enforcement was alerted.
The content violated the platform’s community guidelines, the spokesperson added. According to TikTok’s mental and behavioral health policies, the platform allows individuals to “discuss emotionally complex topics in a supportive way without increasing the risk of harm.”
“We don’t allow showing, promoting, or sharing plans for suicide or self-harm,” the guidelines say.
Footage from Hilton’s neighborhood, taken by NBC South Florida, showed multiple police vehicles in the area. Cameras from the local NBC affiliate showed paramedics transporting a man into an ambulance and driving away.
The police spokesperson said in a statement that family members of the individual that they recovered have been contacted.
“Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside,” the spokesperson said.
Hilton, who was born Mario Lavandeira, has three children — Mario III, Mia and Mayte Amor— all born via surrogacy. In a 2017 essay published on HuffPost, Hilton also mentioned that his mother lives with the family.
“Not many families are able to have that opportunity,” he wrote in the essay. “That difference makes us special and awesome, to me and us.”
In June, Hilton shared in a video that he and his family had moved back to Miami after a three-and-a-half-year-long stint in Las Vegas.
Hilton’s family and team said in their statement that they plan to share updates “as soon as we can.”
“Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support,” the statement said.
Hilton’s agent Dante Rusciolelli, CEO and talent manager at Golden Arts Entertainment, also shared a statement on Aug. 5, asking the public to honor Hilton’s privacy as he receives care.
“At this time, we do not have any additional confirmed information to share regarding Perez Hilton’s condition,” the statement said.
Verified updates will come “directly from Dante Rusciolelli at Golden Artists Entertainment,” the statement said.
Hilton rose to fame in the early 2000s for his gossip blog, sounding off on celebrity drama. His commentary was often criticized as cyberbullying and labeled as “toxic.” However, Hilton attempted to turn a new leaf years later and embraced a gentler, softer version of himself.
“I’m aware of the fact there are going to be a lot of people with lingering resentment and a lot of skeptics,” he told the New York Times in a 2012 interview. “And that’s OK because I am not pretending to be perfect.”
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