US celebrity blogger Perez Hilton is recovering in hospital after emergency services responded to reports that he appeared to harm himself during a TikTok livestream.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies were called to a residence in Miami on Tuesday following reports of a man “livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.”
Although authorities did not name the individual involved, they confirmed that a person had been safely recovered and transported to a local hospital for medical attention.
The sheriff’s office said its crisis response unit and licensed mental health professionals were also deployed to provide support and resources to the individual’s family.
Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, was alone at home during the livestream, according to police. His TikTok account was suspended shortly after the incident.
In a statement, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies located the residence, spoke with family members, and confirmed that the individual was inside alone.
Police said officers prioritised de-escalation while assessing the situation, adding that crisis intervention measures were used to help ensure safety. “Deputies prioritise de-escalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication,” the sheriff’s office said, explaining that such approaches are used during mental health emergencies.
Hilton’s representatives, Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, said they were aware of the concerning content circulating online involving their client and were working to confirm his condition. “At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him.”
They added that their “primary concern is Perez’s health and well-being, as well as the well-being of his family,” while asking for privacy.
Hilton became widely known in the early 2000s through his celebrity gossip website, which gained popularity for its provocative commentary on Hollywood stars.
The blogger adopted the name Perez Hilton as a reference to socialite Paris Hilton, one of the most covered celebrities at the time.
Over the years, his controversial style attracted criticism from several celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, Khloe Kardashian, Mila Kunis and Lady Gaga.
However, Hilton later apologised for some of his earlier work and said he had changed his approach to online commentary.
In his 2020 memoir, he reflected on his past behaviour, writing: “I have a ton of regrets, particularly because I now see that I never needed to be so mean or cruel.”
Hilton, who is also a father of three children, continues to cover entertainment news through his blog, social media platforms and podcast.
Erizia Rubyjeana
