American blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized Tuesday evening, August 4, after broadcasting a particularly alarming live video on TikTok from his Miami home. He appeared bloodied and seemed to be inflicting several injuries on himself with a sharp object. During the broadcast, the 48-year-old American personality made suicidal statements and said he hoped to be killed by the police officers outside his residence. "I hope the police will shoot me."he notably said during the live broadcast.
Spectators massively alerted emergency services
Many internet users who witnessed the scene immediately contacted emergency services. The images also circulated on several social media platforms before being removed. Perez Hilton's TikTok account was suspended shortly after it was posted. Miami-Dade County police officers went to his home after receiving multiple reports of someone live-streaming acts of self-harm. They found several family members near the house and confirmed that Perez Hilton was alone inside.
The police choose de-escalation
Faced with the blogger's statements and the risk that he might try to provoke a deadly confrontation, police did not immediately force entry. They kept their distance while maintaining surveillance around the property. Authorities explained that this strategy was intended to buy time and allow for communication, without exposing Perez Hilton, the police, or the public to further danger. A specialized crisis intervention unit and mental health professionals were called in.
Perez Hilton transported alive to hospital
Later that evening, Perez Hilton was taken to safety. Miami-Dade Emergency Medical Services transported him by ambulance to a local hospital, where he received medical treatment. Authorities have not released any further details about the exact nature of his injuries, his condition, or his prognosis. Specialized professionals were also present to support his family members who were at the scene.
His family and friends could no longer reach him
Representatives for Perez Hilton have stated that they are aware of the disturbing images circulating online. At the time of their initial statement, they had not yet been able to contact him directly despite several attempts. His entourage has assured the public that his health, safety, and the well-being of his family are now their top priority. He has also requested that his privacy be respected and declined to speculate until further information is confirmed.
Several serious health problems in recent months
Perez Hilton had already experienced a lengthy hospitalization in March. He explained that he had developed an ulcer after taking flu medication without eating enough. A perforation and sepsis then required surgery and 21 days of hospitalization. A few weeks later, he was readmitted to the hospital after a large blood clot was discovered in his leg. Surgery was performed to remove it. The blogger later recounted that these ordeals had profoundly changed his outlook on life.
A historical and controversial figure in the celebrity press
Born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., Perez Hilton rose to prominence in the mid-2000s with his celebrity news website. His provocative tone, aggressive posts, and attacks on numerous celebrities made him one of the most well-known celebrity bloggers in the United States, while also generating considerable criticism. He later diversified his activities into television, podcasts, and social media. A father of three, he announced in June that he had left Las Vegas to settle with his children in Miami.
