Celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton on the red carpet prior to attending the Howard Stern 60th Birthday Bash at the Hammerstein Ballroom in New York in 2014.
Mark J. Rebilas
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
More than a month after Perez Hilton appeared in a disturbing livestream appearing to engage in acts of self-harm at this Miami-area home, his family is addressing the rumor mill.
A new statement on his official website confirms Hilton was transferred to a residential psychiatric facility after recovering from physical injuries. His brother-in-law Tom Giarraffa revealed late last month on the blogger’s podcast, now being hosted solo by Chris Booker, that the transfer was the ideal treatment plan. The California man, married to Hilton’s sister Barbara Giarraffa (née Lavandeira) also revealed the blogger was able to communicate and making steps toward recovery.
But a recent Daily Mail article reported that Hilton is “not doing well” and experiencing memory issues. An insider told the outlet that Hilton believes it’s the year 2016 and keeps inquiring about pop singer Katy Perry, with whom he was friendly at the start of her career.
Earlier this week, the 48-year-old influencer’s team says the widely shared DM report is incorrect.
“To be clear, Perez has not lost 10 years of his memory, does not believe it’s 2016, and is not confused about where he is. He is lucid and communicates clearly with his family. He does not have stitches and is not covered in gauze. And no, he has not asked anyone to bring Katy Perry to see him or mentioned her. No family member, and no one authorized to speak on Perez’s behalf, provided these false claims.”
The update also thanks fans for their support, and said Hilton’s road back could be lengthy. The goal, they say, will be for him to reunite with his three kids, who are “safe” with his mother. They added they are “grateful” to Teresita Lavandeira, 72, who has legal custody during this “unexpected chapter.”
The note concludes by addressing the online haters who say Hilton’s situation is karma for malicious gossip he spread about celebrities in the past.
“Perez has spent years acknowledging, apologizing for, and genuinely trying to grow from the things he said and did earlier in his career,” the message said. “The Internet has a way of preserving old versions of people, even when the person behind them has changed. No one has to forget his past or accept his apologies.
“September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we hope this can also serve as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, even when others may not see what someone is going through.”
If you or someone you know is thinking about self-harm, call the toll-free National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255). It’s available 24/7.
Miami Herald
Celebrity/real time news reporter Madeleine Marr has been with The Miami Herald since 2003. She has covered such features as travel, fashion and food. In 2007, she helped launch the newspaper’s daily People Page, attending red carpet events, awards ceremonies and press junkets; interviewing some of the biggest names in show business; and hosting her own online show. She is originally from New York City.