Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton, whose legal name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was hospitalized on Tuesday following a livestream from his Florida residence that prompted multiple emergency calls and a response from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office. Authorities confirmed that deputies were dispatched to Hilton's home after receiving reports of an individual livestreaming acts of self-harm on TikTok. The incident led to a multi-hour standoff where law enforcement employed specialized de-escalation techniques before Hilton was safely transported to a local hospital.
"At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time." — Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, Co-CEOs, Golden Artists Entertainment
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office did not initially identify Hilton by name but confirmed their response to the specific residence. Deputies spoke with family members on arrival and determined that the individual was alone inside the home. Reports indicate that viewers observing the livestream contacted authorities out of concern for what they were witnessing. Clips from the livestream, reviewed by various media outlets, reportedly showed Hilton covered in what appeared to be blood while holding a knife. Due to the graphic nature of the content, several outlets opted not to republish the footage. The video was subsequently removed from TikTok, and Hilton’s account on the platform was suspended.
During the response, the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office implemented a de-escalation approach, choosing to "tactically disengage" while continuously monitoring the situation. Officials explained that this strategy is routinely utilized in mental health crisis scenarios where there is no immediate threat to others. The sheriff’s office stated, "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." They further elaborated that crisis intervention techniques are designed to reduce the likelihood of escalation and minimize the risk of injury to the individual involved, the responding deputies, and the public.
Hours after deputies first arrived on the scene, authorities confirmed that Hilton had been safely transported from his residence to a local hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, where he began receiving medical attention. Neither the sheriff’s office nor Hilton’s representatives provided additional details regarding his current condition.
Representatives for Hilton, through Golden Artists Entertainment, released a statement acknowledging the concerning content circulating online. Company co-CEOs Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan indicated they were actively attempting to reach Hilton, with their primary concerns being his health and the well-being of his family. "At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him," the representatives stated. They concluded by expressing appreciation for public concern and requesting privacy for Hilton during this challenging period.
Perez Hilton gained widespread recognition through his celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com, which he launched in 2004. His blog became a prominent fixture during the rise of online entertainment coverage, establishing him as a well-known figure in celebrity media. Hilton is also a father of three children, including a son born in 2013 and two daughters born in 2015 and 2017, all through surrogacy.
This incident follows a series of health challenges Hilton publicly discussed earlier this year. In March, he disclosed that he had been hospitalized after developing severe sepsis, a serious complication stemming from an ulcer. He underwent medical treatment, including multiple surgeries, during his recovery. Following his recovery, Hilton spoke publicly about his experience and his faith. He also addressed past criticisms regarding his earlier work as a celebrity blogger, expressing regret for certain decisions made during that period and stating that he had apologized to individuals affected by his actions.
As of now, authorities have not released any further information concerning the incident, and Hilton’s representatives continue to request privacy as he receives care.
