This discusses self-harm. If you or someone you know is struggling, the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline is available by call or text in the US, and international crisis resources can be found through Befrienders Worldwide.
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized Tuesday night after authorities responded to reports that he was livestreaming acts of self-harm on TikTok, prompting a police welfare check at his Miami-area home.
What Happened
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple calls from concerned viewers reporting that an individual was livestreaming self-harm on social media. Deputies located the residence and confirmed the person inside was alone, after speaking with family members who were present at the scene. Rather than forcing entry, officers chose to “tactically disengage” while continuing to monitor the situation, a strategy the sheriff’s office said is often used to de-escalate mental health crises when there is no immediate threat to others.
The livestream, which was later removed by TikTok, was reposted and viewed widely on other platforms before being taken down. The Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Hilton, 48, was “safely recovered” by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue and transported to a local hospital, where he was receiving medical attention as of Tuesday night. The department’s Crisis Response Unit and licensed mental health professionals were also on scene to support Hilton’s family.
A Statement From Authorities
In a statement, the Sheriff’s Office explained its approach to handling the incident: “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. 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.”
Representatives for Hilton said they had not yet been able to make direct contact with him despite ongoing efforts to reach him, adding that his health and wellbeing, along with that of his family, remained their primary concern. A representative for TikTok did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
A Difficult Year for Hilton
The incident follows what Hilton has described as a turbulent stretch of health problems over the past several months. Earlier this year, he disclosed a serious medical scare that left him hospitalized for roughly three weeks after developing sepsis and a perforated ulcer, complications that required emergency treatment and heart medication after his condition worsened rapidly. He has spoken publicly about the toll that extended hospitalization took on him, describing the recovery process as slow and difficult. In June, Hilton said he had relocated from Las Vegas to Miami with his three children.
Who Is Perez Hilton
Born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., Hilton rose to fame in the mid-2000s through his celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com, becoming one of the most recognizable and often controversial figures in online entertainment journalism at the time. He has since built a broader media presence, including “The Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker,” and has spoken in past interviews, including an appearance on “The Ellen DeGeneres Show,” about working to move away from the more combative style of commentary that defined his early career.
What Comes Next
As of Tuesday night, Hilton remained hospitalized and his current condition has not been publicly detailed by his representatives or medical providers. His family and representatives have said their focus remains on his health and recovery, and further updates are expected as more information becomes available.
If this story has raised concerns for you, support is available. In the US, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, or visit 988lifeline.org. Internationally, Befrienders Worldwide (befrienders.org) provides directories of crisis helplines by country.
