Perez Hilton's family shares update after blogger appears to harm himself on livestream
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton's family and team shared an update on Thursday, after Hilton was hospitalized following a TikTok livestream earlier in this week, in which he appeared to self-harm.
In a message posted to Hilton's website, the blogger's family pleaded with the public to vacate the area surrounding Hilton's house for the sake of the family's privacy as they return to the property.
The message stated that before the livestream event, Hilton's "children, niece, and sister were inside the home."
The message continued, "When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma."
The message added that the family's top priority at the moment is "helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced," which they said would be aided by being able to return home.
Hilton's family and team shared several updates on his website earlier in the week, confirming that Hilton was receiving medical care and was "able to communicate" with them following his hospitalization, "which has given our family hope."
In a message Wednesday, his team and family thanked his followers for their support in wake of the shocking incident.
"We kindly ask that you respect Perez's privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time," they said at the time, adding that they would share updates "if and when" they were able.
Hilton was transported to a Miami area hospital this week, where he was said to be receiving medical attention after appearing to harm himself on the TikTok livestream, law enforcement officials said in a statement earlier on Wednesday.
The statement, which did not mention Hilton by name, came after law enforcement in Miami responded to Hilton's home on Tuesday after receiving multiple calls claiming Hilton was "livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media," according to the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office.
"The individual has been safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention," the sheriff's office said Wednesday. "The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office Crisis Response Unit and Licensed Mental Health Professionals are also on scene providing support and resources to the individual's family."
Hilton's TikTok livestream on Tuesday allegedly appeared to show him harming himself with a knife, with a bloody torso and face.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said in a previous statement Tuesday that deputies spoke with his family members on scene and "tactically disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation."
"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, adding this tactic can "reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public."
Hilton's representatives, Golden Artists Entertainment, released a statement Tuesday night, saying they were "aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client."
"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," the statement added.
Hilton’s TikTok account was banned following the livestream, a spokesperson for the company told ABC News Thursday.
The spokesperson said the livestream was flagged by TikTok’s automated moderation systems “within minutes” and routed to a U.S. moderation team for review.
If you or someone you know is struggling with thoughts of suicide -- free, confidential help is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Call or text the national lifeline at 988.
