Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized after livestreaming graphic footage of himself self-harming on TikTok. Emergency services responded to his Miami home on Tuesday night following reports from concerned viewers who witnessed the disturbing content.
The Miami-Dade sheriff's office confirmed they attended the scene after receiving multiple reports from the public about a man livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media. Upon arrival, deputies met with family members at the residence. Rather than immediately intervening, law enforcement chose what they described as a "tactical disengagement" while continuing to monitor the situation.
In a statement explaining their approach, the Miami-Dade sheriff's office said they prioritize de-escalation techniques in mental health crises. "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 office 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."
Deputies confirmed Hilton was alone in his home during the livestream. Later that evening, the Miami-Dade sheriff's office announced the man had been "safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention." His TikTok account was suspended shortly after the incident.
Hilton's managers, Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, released a joint statement to TMZ addressing the situation. "We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton," they said. "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. We appreciate everyone's concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time."
Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., rose to prominence in the mid-2000s for his caustic celebrity commentary on his self-titled blog. Though the blog was hugely popular initially, its audience eventually declined. He later transitioned to reality television and podcasting. In June, Hilton announced he had relocated to Miami with his three young children, having previously lived in Las Vegas.
The incident underscores ongoing concerns about mental health crises unfolding publicly on social media platforms and the role ordinary viewers play in alerting authorities to emergencies.
If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, help is available. In the US, call or text the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.