Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized Tuesday after a livestream from his Florida home prompted multiple emergency calls and a response from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities said deputies were dispatched after receiving reports of an individual livestreaming acts of self-harm on TikTok.
The sheriff’s office did not identify Hilton by name in its initial statements but confirmed that deputies responded to the residence, spoke with family members, and determined the individual was alone inside the home.
According to reports, viewers who saw the livestream contacted authorities after becoming concerned about what was taking place.
Clips from the livestream reviewed by some media outlets appeared to show Hilton covered in what looked like blood while holding a knife. Several outlets chose not to republish the footage due to the graphic nature.
The video was later removed from the platform, and Hilton’s TikTok account was suspended. Several outlets reported that they would not republish the footage.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said deputies used a de-escalation approach during the response, choosing to “tactically disengage” while continuing to monitor the situation.
Officials said the strategy is used in certain mental health crisis situations when there is not an immediate threat to others.
“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 said.
Officials added that crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a situation escalating and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public.
Hours after deputies arrived, authorities confirmed Hilton had been safely transported from his residence to a local hospital by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, where he was receiving medical attention.
The sheriff’s office and Hilton’s representatives did not provide additional details about his condition.
Representatives for Hilton also released a statement through Golden Artists Entertainment. Company co-CEOs Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan said they were aware of the concerning content circulating online and were attempting to reach Hilton.
They said their primary concerns were 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 said, according to The Western Journal. “We appreciate everyone’s concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time.”
Hilton, whose legal name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., rose to prominence through PerezHilton.com, a celebrity gossip website launched in 2004.
The blog became widely known during the growth of online entertainment coverage and helped make Hilton a recognizable figure in celebrity media, Newsweek noted.
The incident follows a series of health challenges Hilton discussed earlier this year.
In March, Hilton said he was hospitalized after developing severe sepsis following complications from an ulcer.
He said he underwent medical treatment, including surgeries, during his recovery and later spoke publicly about his experience and faith, Trending Politics reported.
After his recovery, Hilton discussed his past career and publicly addressed criticism surrounding some of his earlier work as a celebrity blogger.
He said he regretted decisions he made during that period and said he had apologized to people affected by his actions.
Hilton is the father of three children through surrogacy, including a son born in 2013 and two daughters born in 2015 and 2017.
Authorities have not released additional information about the incident, and Hilton’s representatives have asked for privacy while he receives care.
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