Perez Hilton‘s family is sharing another update in the wake of his hospitalization.
“Our family cannot express enough our continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time,” read a new statement posted via his website on Thursday, August 6. “The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family.”
According to the statement, “Just minutes before the public livestream incident, Perez’s children, niece, and sister were inside the home. 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’s family noted that the children’s safety was of utmost importance. (Hilton, 48, is a father of three.)
“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 update continued, asking the media and content creators to “leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return” for the sake of Hilton’s kids.
The family also assured fans that additional updates would be provided in due time, adding, “Again, thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued prayers.”
Hilton appeared to engage in self-harm behavior during a late-night TikTok livestream on Tuesday, August 4. First responders were called to the blogger’s Miami home for an apparent “suicide attempt,” according to 911 dispatch audio obtained by Page Six on Wednesday, August 5. Multiple responders arrived at the scene on Tuesday and stayed at the property for hours.
“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls regarding an individual who was live-streaming acts of self-harm on social media,” the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office told Us in a Wednesday statement. “Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside.”
The statement continued, “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize deescalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication. At this time, deputies have tactfully disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation.”
Authorities confirmed in an additional statement that Hilton, who was not named, had been “safely recovered” and transported to a nearby hospital.
“He is receiving medical attention,” the second statement read. “The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Unit and Licensed Mental Health Professionals are also on scene providing support and resources to the individual’s family.”
Hilton’s spokesperson Dante Rusciolelli subsequently told Us that there was no “additional confirmed information to share regarding Perez Hilton’s condition” following the distressed livestream.
Later that day, Hilton’s family broke their silence on his hospitalization, confirming “Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being.”
The statement continued, “We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time. If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can. Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support.”
Since the incident, a TikTok spokesperson confirmed to Us that the social media platform permanently banned Hilton’s account, noting his livestream was a violation of its community guidelines which prohibits acts of self-harm. Hilton’s account was flagged by the platform’s automated moderation system minutes into the stream for the company’s human moderation team for immediate review. The stream lasted for about 15 minutes before it was removed. The TikTok rep explained that a moderation error caused a delay in the livestream’s removal. It was also noted they alerted law enforcement of the livestream on Tuesday.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
