Perez Hilton
Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
The people in Perez Hilton’s inner circle are giving a glimpse into his condition after his disturbing livestream Tuesday night that indicated self-harm.
The celebrity blogger was hospitalized after appearing in an alarming TikTok live at his Westchester house. The 48-year-old moved back home to South Florida with his mother and three school-age kids from Las Vegas a little under two months ago.
Miami-Dade deputies were dispatched to the home around 7 p.m. Tuesday after multiple 911 calls came in from people watching his 30-minute plus TikTok Live.
Hilton’s team released an initial statement on his eponymous website with few details, just that he was receiving “medical care.” Hours later came another message explaining that they were having trouble finding out and were pretty much in the dark as well.
TMZ reports the ‘TMI” author is under a 72-hour psychiatric hold under the Baker Act. Also known as the Florida Mental Health Act, it focuses on crisis services for people who present a risk to themselves or others.
“This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family,” they wrote, adding that Hilton is “able to communicate,” which is giving them “hope.”
The message ended by asking for “continued prayers, understanding and grace as Perez (real name Mario Lavandeira) continues to recover.”
It’s unclear who is dispatching these online notes, but Hilton’s younger sister Barbara Lavandeira was photographed outside her famous brother’s barricaded house Wednesday, asking police how to get inside, Page Six reports. Hilton has often talked about how much the fellow Miami native helped him during his lengthy hospital stay from sepsis and other health issues he suffered in March.
Also on Wednesday, Chris Booker, co-host of “The Perez Hilton Podcast,” shared some words about his friend. The last time the men did a show together was July 26, gossiping about everyone from Ariana Grande to Giulana Rancic.
“I am so profoundly sad for Perez and his family and what they’re all going through,” the radio vet wrote on Instagram. “It’s truly unimaginable.”
On Thursday, a fresh update from the family revealed a shocking detail that was not previously reported: Just minutes before the worrisome viral incident, Hilton’s kids — Mayte, 8, Mia, 11, and Mario III, 13 — were in the residence, as were Barbara and a niece, age unknown.
“When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma,” said the family’s latest note. “Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.”
They “respectfully” ask people, including content creators and members of the media, to stay away from the residence and its surroundings to help with that process.
“Again, thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued prayers,” they conclude.
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. You can also dial 988.
This story was originally published August 6, 2026 at 11:48 AM.
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.