The family of Perez Hilton is holding onto hope regarding his health, confirming that the well-known blogger is able to communicate following his hospitalization. The 48-year-old was taken to a Miami hospital after a deeply alarming incident during a TikTok livestream on Tuesday, August 4, in which he appeared to be self-harming — prompting viewers to immediately alert authorities.
Perez Hilton: “This has given our family hope”
In a follow-up statement released on Wednesday, August 5, his family thanked everyone who had reached out during this difficult time. “Our family wants to again thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support. Your humanity and compassion during this extremely difficult time mean more than words can express,” the statement read. The family also confirmed that Perez Hilton is able to communicate — a development they described as giving them hope. They also asked that his privacy, and that of his children, be respected throughout his recovery.
Read also: Perez Hilton: Covered in blood during shocking TikTok live — the threats, the police intervention, and his hospitalization (Video)
The authorities’ response
Emergency services arrived at his home following calls from people watching the livestream. The blogger was subsequently transported to a hospital, where he continues to receive medical care. His three children were not at home at the time of the incident, according to US media reports. Authorities initiated involuntary hospitalization procedures under Florida’s Baker Act, a law applied when a person is deemed to pose a potential danger to themselves or others. No official medical diagnosis regarding his mental health has been made public.
Perez Hilton’s Family Says He ‘Can Communicate,’ Giving Them ‘Hope’ After He Appeared to Self-Harm During Livestream https://t.co/yal74y5Kip
— People (@people) August 6, 2026
TikTok’s response
A TikTok spokesperson confirmed that the platform’s automated system detected the livestream, but that a human error in the moderation process delayed its removal. The video remained available for approximately 15 minutes before being taken down, and Perez Hilton‘s account was subsequently banned for violating the platform’s policies on self-harm content.
Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., rose to widespread fame in the early 2000s through his celebrity gossip website, known for its sharp and often scathing commentary on the entertainment world. His distinctive style made him one of the most recognizable — and controversial — figures in American pop culture. At this time, his family has made clear that his health, safety, and recovery remain their absolute priority.
