Perez Hilton hospitalized following concerning TikTok livestream, wellness check

If you or someone you know is in mental health crisis, help is available. The 988 suicide and crisis lifeline is available 24/7. Those looking to learn more about the hotline can click here for more information. The previous hotline (1-800-273-8255) is still available for those who still remember the old number.

MIAMI – Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was rushed to a local hospital on Tuesday, Aug. 4, following an emergency response to his Florida home. 

Authorities dispatched officers after viewers reported concerning behavior during a live stream, prompting law enforcement to initiate crisis intervention and transport him for medical care.

What we know:

According to reports, the emergency response was triggered after Hilton appeared to self-harm during a TikTok live broadcast, with clips spreading online shortly before the stream was terminated. 

The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office (MDCSO) confirmed that deputies responded after receiving multiple calls from viewers who witnessed the stream.

At the scene, deputies confirmed Hilton was alone inside the home. MDCSO deputies, alongside Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, de-escalated the situation and facilitated Hilton’s transport to a nearby hospital. 

The sheriff’s office noted that its Crisis Response Unit, along with licensed mental health specialists, stayed at the residence to provide support and resources to his family. 

TikTok has since removed the original posts and taken down Hilton’s account.

Born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., Hilton rose to prominent digital fame in the mid-2000s through his celebrity gossip blog, perezhilton.com. After years based in Los Angeles and a brief stay in Las Vegas, he relocated to his hometown of Miami while expanding his work into books, podcasts, and television.

What we don’t know:

Hilton’s exact medical condition and current status at the hospital remain unconfirmed. 

It’s unknown if representatives from his management firm have made contact with him since the incident occurred. 

What they’re saying:

Explaining the tactical approach at the scene, a spokesperson for the MDCSO highlighted the priority placed on crisis intervention during self-harm calls:

“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 said. “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.”

Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, co-CEOs of Golden Artists Entertainment, released a statement addressing their client’s situation:

“We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton. 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,” the statement read. “We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time.”

What you can do:

If you or someone you know is going through a mental health crisis or experiencing thoughts of self-harm, free and confidential support is available 24/7. You can call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 (in the U.S. and Canada) or visit 988lifeline.org to speak with a trained counselor online.

This story was reported from Los Angeles.