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WARNING: This story contains details of self-harm.
Perez Hilton’s family says his children, niece and sister were inside the home minutes before the gossip blogger went live on TikTok, appearing to harm himself.
In an updated message posted to Hilton’s website Thursday, the family is asking for privacy and respect. “The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family,” it reads.
“For the children’s safety, privacy, and well-being, we respectfully ask members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return.”
Hilton is a single father of three children — a 13-year-old son, 11-year-old daughter and an 8-year-old daughter.
“When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma,” the message continues.
“Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.”
Hilton hospitalized Tuesday evening
The gossip blogger is in hospital following reports that he had appeared to self-harm during a TikTok livestream Tuesday evening.
In an email to CBC News, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said that “the individual has been safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention.”
Authorities were dispatched to his Miami home on Tuesday night after receiving multiple calls from concerned fans regarding an individual who “was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.”
Once on scene, deputies say, they spoke to family members and confirmed he was alone during the time of the stream. Following the incident, authorities say they have “tactically disengaged” and are continuing to monitor the situation while providing support to the family.
Hilton’s account banned
“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 spokesperson wrote in an email to CBC News.
“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.”
According to a TikTok spokesperson in the U.S., moderation flagged the livestream within minutes and alerted law enforcement to the situation.
Posts on social media had said the stream lasted about 30 minutes, but the platform told CBC News it was about half that time and that several subsequent streams were closed within 90 seconds.
They also say Hilton’s account has been banned, under the platform’s community guidelines.
Family, representatives ask for privacy
On Wednesday, Hilton’s family posted an earlier message on his website confirming he is “receiving medical care” and that the “family’s focus right now is on his well-being.”
They also say they’re “grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers,” adding, that “if and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can.”
Celebrity blogger and influencer Perez Hilton was hospitalized after he appeared to harm himself while live on TikTok, prompting followers to call police.
Golden Artists Entertainment co-CEOs Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, who represent Hilton, shared a statement on Instagram.
“We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton,” it reads, regarding the video and screen grabs that later spread on social media.
“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.”
They conclude by saying they appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time.
Hilton began his popular celebrity gossip blog in the early 2000s, where he provided readers with an unfiltered take on Hollywood’s biggest moments.
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