Perez Hilton hospitalized after TikTok livestream showing self-harm

Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., livestreamed a self-harm episode from his Miami home on TikTok on Tuesday night. Miami-Dade authorities responded to calls, recovered him safely and transported him to a local hospital for treatment. The livestream remained online for several minutes before TikTok removed the feed and later permanently banned his account.

The incident has sparked a mixed response online. Some users have called for compassion toward Hilton’s mental-health crisis, while others point to his history of invasive gossip and harassment of celebrities. Ireland Baldwin, for example, recalled past humiliations by Hilton and expressed sorrow for his children while hoping he receives help.

TikTok said its automated system flagged the stream and alerted a U.S. moderation team, but a “moderator error” delayed its removal. Attorney Bryan Freedman, who has represented Hilton, described the explanation as insufficient and demanded a detailed account of why the content stayed live.

Industry observers noted the broader implications for a culture that rewards sensationalism. Gillian Sheldon, a founding producer of TMZ, said it is possible to acknowledge Hilton’s harmful past while also extending empathy to him as a father, son and friend.

Hilton’s family released a statement asking the media to respect the privacy of his three children and other relatives, emphasizing their priority is the children’s recovery. They thanked supporters for their “outpouring of love, support and prayers.”

The episode highlights ongoing concerns about how social-media platforms handle real-time crises and the responsibilities of audiences and creators in an always-on digital environment.