Perez Hilton, the celebrity blogger known for his early 2000s gossip empire, was hospitalized last week after a self-harm incident that was livestreamed to the public. His sister, Barbara Lavandeira, provided the first public account of the event, describing the harrowing moments leading to his discovery. Meanwhile, insiders report Hilton’s family is shielding him from the video of the incident as he recovers in the hospital.
Hilton’s sister describes discovery during livestream incident
Lavandeira, Hilton’s sister, shared details of the evening of August 4 in an interview with the New York Post’s Page Six. She stated that her brother’s behavior had been unusual, noting his bedroom door was closed and locked—an atypical circumstance for him. After repeated attempts to contact him went unanswered, she entered the room and found Hilton in the bathroom, naked, covered in blood, and holding a box cutter. Lavandeira described the moment as surreal, saying Hilton’s eyes appeared altered and he briefly smiled at her before she left to ensure the safety of her daughter and Hilton’s three children. She then called 911.
Police responded to Hilton’s Miami home and transported him to a hospital under Florida’s Baker Act, which allows for the temporary involuntary detention of individuals in mental crisis. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, was hospitalized for treatment. His sister did not specify the extent of his injuries but confirmed he was receiving medical care.
Family shields Hilton from viral video as he recovers
Insiders close to Hilton told the Daily Mail that he is currently without internet access, his phone, or electronic devices while hospitalized. Despite this isolation, Hilton has expressed a desire to view the livestreamed video of the incident, which lasted approximately 15 minutes and was widely shared on social media platforms like TikTok. His family has intervened to prevent him from seeing the footage, with one source stating, “The family is now protecting him from himself.”
Sources indicate Hilton is aware that something significant occurred but does not recall the details of the livestream. He has asked about public reactions, and those close to him report that they are emphasizing supportive commentary to avoid exacerbating his distress. “What Perez needs is to feel like there are people in his corner,” one insider said. “That will give him the strength to go on.”
Hilton’s hospitalization follows his rise to fame as a celebrity gossip blogger in the early 2000s. His public persona, once synonymous with tabloid culture, has been marked in recent years by personal struggles, including depression, which his sister confirmed he had been grappling with prior to the incident.
Public reaction remains mixed as Hilton seeks recovery
While some social media users have expressed concern and support for Hilton, others have shared critical or sensationalized reactions to the livestream. Insiders emphasize that Hilton’s family is prioritizing his mental health and shielding him from potentially harmful online content during his recovery. The Daily Mail reported that Hilton’s relatives are carefully curating the information he receives to avoid triggering further distress.
Hilton’s sister did not provide additional details about his long-term recovery plan but emphasized the family’s commitment to his well-being. “This is a long road,” she told Page Six, reflecting on the challenges ahead.