Perez Hilton hospitalised after livestreaming self-harm as police share more details
Warning: This article contains discussion of self-harm and suicide which some readers may find distressing.
Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, has been hospitalised after appearing to livestream self-harm on TikTok, with police now issuing a statement on the matter.
Emergency services were called to the 48-year-old celebrity blogger's home in Miami on Tuesday night (4 August) after members of the public reported seeing him harm himself during a graphic livestream on the social media platform.
His TikTok account was suspended minutes later.
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In a statement released on Tuesday, the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office did not identify father-of-three Hilton by name but confirmed officers had responded after receiving reports of a man 'livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media'.
Deputies spoke with family members outside the property, who confirmed the person had been alone inside the residence. Officers then chose to 'tactically disengage' while continuing to monitor the situation.
"In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritise de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication," the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said.
"Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilising crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimise the risk of injury to the individual, deputies and the public."
In a follow-up statement, the sheriff's office confirmed the individual had been 'safely recovered' and later taken by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he was receiving medical attention.
Footage from Hilton's neighbourhood shared by NBC South Florida showed multiple sheriff's patrol vehicles outside the property, while part of the street was cordoned off with police tape.
Hilton's managers, Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, have since addressed the situation in a joint statement shared with TMZ on Tuesday night.
They said they were '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," they said. "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."
If you're experiencing distressing thoughts and feelings, the Campaign Against Living Miserably (CALM) is there to support you. They're open from 5pm–midnight, 365 days a year. Their national number is 0800 58 58 58 and they also have a webchat service if you're not comfortable talking on the phone.
Topics: Celebrity, US News, Social Media
Rhiannon Ingle