Perez Hilton was admitted to a hospital in Miami after an emergency crew was dispatched to his home following reports of a live‑streamed act of self‑harm.
Emergency services were called in on a Tuesday after TikTok viewers flagged concerns and the Miami sheriff’s office confirmed they had responded to a scene where a lone man was livestreaming self‑cutting. The 48‑year‑old, known online as Perez Hilton and whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, suffered significant blood loss. Airport‑warning officials report that he is in a “serious but stable” condition and his recovery will be a long process.
A statement released on Hilton’s official site confirmed he is under Florida’s Baker Act, which focuses on mental‑health crisis interventions. It said he is scheduled for surgery in the coming days. The paternity of the 20‑plus‑year‑old is also affected, with hospitals preparing for a potentially complex procedure.
TikTok’s policy response was swift: the platform’s automated moderation systems flagged the livestream within minutes, and the company’s US moderation team removed the video. A TikTok spokesperson blamed a moderator error for the delay and noted that law enforcement was alerted and the account was banned after closing several subsequent streams in under 90 seconds.
For those who may be affected by topics covered in this story, the BBC Action Line offers help and support. You can reach the national helpline for understanding and assistance with suicide or depression concerns at 0800-783-4679.
The viral pseudonym Perez Hilton came online in 2005, referencing Paris Hilton. The blog was once one of the most‑visited sites, drawing 8 million hits a day when the internet was still in its infancy. Over the years the wealthy blogger has expressed regret for the harsh tone that often characterised early posts and has even sought to distance himself from the reputational damage that followed.
Fans and critics alike have watched Hilton’s career pivot from internet celebrity to reality TV star, with appearances on Celebrity Rap Superstar and Celebrity Big Brother. The new chapter comes as the man finds himself in a hospital ward, awaiting a significant surgery and ongoing mental health care.
