Emergency responders arrived at the home of 48-year-old Perez Hilton on Tuesday after someone reported seeing him harm himself during a TikTok livestream. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed they responded to the scene after a man was seen livestreaming self-harm activities. Perez Hilton is currently hospitalized and in serious but stable condition following the incident. His family said his recovery will be a long process and that he has suffered significant blood loss and additional injuries requiring surgery in the coming days.
The family also emphasized their concern for his three children, who were reportedly affected by what happened during the livestream. They added that helping the children heal and return home safely is a top priority in the current situation.
Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., became well known in the early 2000s as a celebrity gossip blogger, according to Metro. His blog gained popularity during the internet’s early days and attracted around eight million daily visitors at its peak, according to a report from the BBC. He later transitioned into reality television, appearing on programs such as Celebrity Rap Superstar and Celebrity Big Brother. The pseudonym Perez Hilton was inspired by Paris Hilton, who was prominent in the entertainment world when his blog began in 2005.
His TikTok account was suspended shortly after the livestream incident was reported, AOL reported. For anyone in the U.S. needing mental health support, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). People can also find local resources through the Samaritans website.
The incident has drawn attention to the risks of livestreaming harmful behavior online and the importance of mental health support.
IMAGE: Paparazzo Presents celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton at Barnes & Noble book signing (Union Square, New York City, September 6, 2011). Photo: Paparazzo Presents / Wikimedia, taken 2011-09-06, CC BY-SA 3.0