Perez Hilton is hospitalised after self-harming on livestream
If you've been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can contact the Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for confidential support
By Callum Wells
Perez Hilton has been hospitalised after emergency services responded to reports that he had livestreamed acts of self-harm on TikTok.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office attended the blogger’s home in Miami yesterday (4 August) after receiving multiple calls from members of the public who had watched the livestream. Hilton’s TikTok account was suspended shortly afterwards.
Although the sheriff’s office did not identify Hilton by name, it confirmed deputies were sent to the address after reports of a man “livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media”.
What happened when officers arrived at the scene?
When officers arrived, they spoke with family members outside the property and established that the man was alone inside. Rather than immediately entering the home, deputies adopted what the force described as a tactical de-escalation approach while continuing to monitor the situation.
“In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication,” the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said.
“Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies and the public.”
The sheriff’s office later confirmed the man had been “safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention”. It also said licensed mental health professionals from its Crisis Response Unit remained at the scene to support family members.
“At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him” – Perez Hilton’s representatives in a statement
Hilton’s representatives, Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, said they had been unable to contact him directly following the incident.
“We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton,” they said in a joint statement to TMZ.
“At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez’s health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further. We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time.”
Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., became one of the internet’s best-known celebrity gossip figures after launching his PerezHilton.com website in 2004. The blog attracted a large audience with its coverage of celebrity news before Hilton later expanded into television, podcasting and other media projects. Earlier this summer, he announced that he had relocated from Las Vegas to Miami with his three children.
If you’ve been affected by the issues raised in this story, you can contact the Samaritans free on 116 123 or email jo@samaritans.org for confidential support.