Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized Tuesday after authorities responded to calls about a person livestreaming acts of self-harm, according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office (MDSO).
“The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls regarding an individual who was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media,” the MDSO said in a statement to NTD on Wednesday.
Hilton appeared in severe distress and engaged in acts of self-harm during a TikTok livestream on Aug. 4, prompting numerous viewers to contact emergency services. The original broadcast was removed, and his account was suspended.
Deputies arrived at Hilton’s residence, spoke with family members at the scene, and confirmed that Hilton was alone inside.
“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 sheriff’s office stated.
“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,” it added.
Hilton was transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he was receiving medical care, the sheriff’s office said.
The Crisis Response Unit and licensed mental health professionals also responded to provide resources and support to Hilton’s family.
Hilton’s family and team confirmed Wednesday that he was receiving medical care.
“We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being,” the statement said. “We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time.”
The family thanked Hilton’s followers for their messages of concern, support and prayers, adding that further information would be released if updates become available.
Hilton, 48, whose legal name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., gained fame through his celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com. He launched his celebrity gossip blog in 2004 and has worked in entertainment media for more than 20 years. He is also an actor with over 60 credits, author, podcaster, and television personality. He graduated from NYU's Tisch School of the Arts with a degree in drama. Hilton is the father of three children.