Perez Hilton‘s family is sharing an update on the celebrity blogger’s condition following a traumatic livestream and subsequent emergency hospitalization.
“Our family wants to once again thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support for Perez. Your compassionate humanity during this profoundly heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express,” his family said in a statement shared via his website on Wednesday, August 5. “This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family. While we continue to wait for further updates, we remain hopeful.”
Hilton’s family went on to say that the blogger has been “able to communicate” while receiving treatment in a Florida hospital – a good sign, the family said.
“[This] has given our family hope,” the statement continued. “We respectfully ask for your continued prayers, understanding, and grace as Perez continues to recover. We will share additional updates as we receive confirmed information and are able to do so. For now, we’re taking things one step at a time and keeping our focus where it belongs, on Perez and his recovery.”
Hilton, 48, alarmed his TikTok followers on Tuesday, August 4, when he went live on the platform and appeared to perform dangerous acts of self-harm. Miami-Dade police confirmed to Us that officers responded to calls “regarding an individual who was live-streaming acts of self-harm on social media” and were dispatched to Hilton’s home for what they suspected was a “possible suicide” attempt. (Hilton’s TikTok account was later banned for violating the platform’s terms of use.)
“Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside,” a police spokesperson told Us. “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize deescalation by creating time, distance and opportunities for communication. At this time, deputies have tactfully disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation.”
Hilton was eventually hospitalized. In the wake of the incident, Hilton’s manager, Dante Rusciolelli, told Us that the blogger’s team remains focused on his “health, recovery, and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time.”
His podcast cohost, Chris Booker, spoke out on Wednesday to confirm that their show, “The Perez Hilton Podcast with Chris Booker,” is going on hiatus so Hilton can focus on his recovery.
“It’s all TBD at the moment as our collective focus is on his health. I certainly hope to continue [the podcast and Patreon] with my friend when the time is appropriate,” Booker, 55, wrote via Instagram. “I will give updates there when the time is right. We’ve done these shows for over a decade now and the support from our listeners has been resounding.”
He added, “[Perez] is very loved. I can only hope he feels it. Heal up friend.”
Hilton’s family initially reacted to the blogger’s hospitalization with a statement asking the public for privacy.
“Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers. We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being,” they said on Wednesday. “We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time. If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can. Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support.”
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.
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