Perez Hilton recovering in hospital after reports he self-harmed during livestream

Image source, Getty ImagesByPaul GlynnPublished30 minutes agoUS blogger Perez Hilton is recovering in hospital after members of the public reported that he had appeared to self-harm during a TikTok livestream.

Emergency services were called to his home in Miami on Tuesday after concerned viewers reported a man "livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media".

The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office told US media that an individual had been "safely recovered" and taken to "a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention".

Police added that their crisis response unit and licensed mental health professionals were also "on scene providing support and resources to the individual's family".

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, was home alone during the time of the live stream, police confirmed, and had his TikTok account suspended soon after.

In a statement issued to outlets including the LA Times, Newsweek and Rolling Stone, the Miami sheriff's office did not name Hilton but confirmed they had attended to reports of a man harming himself.

After confirming speaking with family members at the scene, deputies decided to "tactically disengage while continuing to monitor the situation", police said.

"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," their statement 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 minimise the risk of injury to the individual, deputies and the public."

Suicide by cop is a US term for when individuals try to end their lives by behaving in a way that will provoke police into killing them.

In a later update, the Sheriff's Office said the man had been transported to a hospital, adding that mental health professionals were at the scene "providing support and resources to the individual's family".

The celebrity blogger's managers, Dante Rusciolelli and Rebekah Kochan, told outlets including Variety, external in a joint statement that 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 continued. "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 rose to fame in the early 2000s via his popular and at-times controversial celebrity gossip website.

Perez Hilton was a stage name he chose as a play on Paris Hilton, who was one of the most written about celebrities at the time.

His often snarky takes have drawn criticism over the years from some celebrities, including Miley Cyrus, Khloe Kardashian, Mila Kunis and his former friend Lady Gaga.

But in recent years, Hilton apologised for cruel comments made in his early career and made efforts to change his online brand, reflecting a wider change in online culture and the way celebrity news is covered.

He adopted a kinder, more family-friendly public persona while also embracing fatherhood - he has three children via surrogacy.

"I have a ton of regrets, particularly because I now see that I never needed to be so mean or cruel," he wrote in his 2020 memoir.

"One of the many things I regret is that I hurt so many people by giving them nasty nicknames, and above all that I was unkind to the children of celebrities."

Hilton continues to cover showbiz news via his online blog, social media platforms and weekly podcast.

Perez Hilton: 'I never needed to be so cruel'

PreviousNext0:50Swimmer to meet PM after brain cancer funding plea. 00:00:50, play videoSwimmer to meet PM after brain cancer funding plea1:01'Human safari' drone targets Ukrainian vegetable seller. 00:01:01, play video'Human safari' drone targets Ukrainian vegetable seller0:49Watch: Moment passenger train crashes into trailer carrying straw bales. 00:00:49, play videoWatch: Moment passenger train crashes into trailer carrying straw bales0:59The city closing down streets so children can play. 00:00:59, play videoThe city closing down streets so children can play1:23The Mexican song that captivated lovers during WWII. 00:01:23, play videoThe Mexican song that captivated lovers during WWII1:30What it's like wearing the niqab in the UK. 00:01:30, play videoWhat it's like wearing the niqab in the UK0:37Crispy butter beans with whipped feta. 00:00:37, play videoCrispy butter beans with whipped feta0:57Days of strikes at 'Russian Amazon' sites. 00:00:57, play videoDays of strikes at 'Russian Amazon' sites1:26What we know about death of Scottish woman in Athens. 00:01:26, play videoWhat we know about death of Scottish woman in Athens1:30Swimmer's emotional plea for cancer investment. 00:01:30, play videoSwimmer's emotional plea for cancer investment0:37Pilot caught with 70,000 ecstasy pills at airport. 00:00:37, play videoPilot caught with 70,000 ecstasy pills at airport1:01What are the 'luteal uglies'? 00:01:01, play videoWhat are the 'luteal uglies'?0:59Are current breast cancer checks good enough? 00:00:59, play videoAre current breast cancer checks good enough?0:40US reports first deaths linked to cyclospora outbreak. 00:00:40, play videoUS reports first deaths linked to cyclospora outbreak0:35PC Harper's mother on early release for killers. 00:00:35, play videoPC Harper's mother on early release for killers0:41'Minion Man' paints over anti-social graffiti. 00:00:41, play video'Minion Man' paints over anti-social graffiti1:06Can Reform use Royal Navy to stop small boat crossings? 00:01:06, play videoCan Reform use Royal Navy to stop small boat crossings?0:25Harissa couscous with crispy chickpeas. 00:00:25, play videoHarissa couscous with crispy chickpeas0:45Former X Factor finalist denies murder of influencer. 00:00:45, play videoFormer X Factor finalist denies murder of influencer1:29How pioneering surgery in the womb helped baby Theo. 00:01:29, play videoHow pioneering surgery in the womb helped baby TheoTop storiesLive. Huge SpaceX rocket part believed to have hit Moon as Nasa prepares to study crash

Peer urges Tories to block candidate jailed for antisemitic abuse against her

The cost of being single – and how friends are teaming up to beat it

Are summer sandals killing your feet?

'My grandmother subjected my baby to female genital mutilation behind my back'

UK papers: 'Profits of war' and 'Super-rain'

Kate Nash on Irish history, heritage and covering Sinéad O'Connor

There's a reason child vaccination rates are falling - and it's not social media

Breast cancer checks missing most women under 50 who are at risk, says study

Ariana Grande has had enough of body comments, but 'scrutiny' will linger

Get news, tips and ideas for your family with our Summer Essential newsletter

'I said maybeeee...'

Follow police investigations from the 999 call to conviction

The return of the thrilling, award-winning drama about the CIA

Tommy and John Fury debate what makes a home

Couple woke to find shirtless intruder in Travelodge room

Peer urges Tories to block candidate jailed for antisemitic abuse against her

'Profits of war' and 'Super-rain'

New guidance on single-sex spaces comes into force

The avalanche that killed a climbing legend - and a generation of record-setting guides

The cost of being single – and how friends are teaming up to beat it

Are summer sandals killing your feet?

Former RAF medic can clear debts and mortgage after choosing £300k over Lamborghini

The Mummy film ad banned from London Underground