Perez Hilton’s family has shared another update following his TikTok livestream that resulted in his hospitalization.
The celebrity blogger’s followers reported the concerning video to police, who “safely recovered” him from his house in Miami and transported him to his local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.
In an update shared Thursday on his website, Hilton’s family said the events of the last few days have been “unbearable.”
“Just minutes before the public livestream incident, Perez’s children, niece, and sister were inside the home,” the family said. “When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma.”
Hilton, 48, is father to three young children welcomed via surrogate.
“Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy,” the family continued.
“For the children’s safety, privacy, and well-being, we respectfully ask members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return. Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time.”
The Tuesday night TikTok livestream was reported to police by his followers after he reportedly appeared to be self-harming. He was eventually taken to the hospital where he continues to recover.
TikTok, meanwhile, has acknowledged that Hilton’s livestream remained on the platform — despite violating community guidelines — due to a “moderator error.”
A spokesperson for the social media app claimed to Deadline that an automated moderation system highlighted it for removal within minutes, but that an error blocked it from being stopped promptly.
His account was eventually suspended for violating TikTok’s Community Guidelines.
Hilton — real name Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr — is known for his eponymous gossip blog, which, in the 2000s, caused controversy for its no-holds-barred posts as well as its practice of outing celebrities who were keeping their sexuality private.
In addition to his blog and television appearances including Celebrity Big Brother, Hilton co-hosts The Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker.
If you are experiencing feelings of distress, or are struggling to cope, you can speak to the Samaritans, in confidence, on 116 123 (UK and ROI) or visit the Samaritans website to find details of your nearest branch.
If you are based in the USA, and you or someone you know needs mental health assistance right now, call or text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org* to access online chat from the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. This is a free, confidential crisis hotline that is available to everyone 24 hours a day, seven days a week. *
If you are in another country, you can go to www.befrienders.org to find a helpline near you.