Gossip blogger Perez Hilton in a 2014 file photo.
Mark J. Rebilas / Imagn
USA Today Network / Reuters Connect
Is Perez Hilton back on social media?
When some folks opened their Instagram app late Tuesday night, they may have been surprised to see his page active. There were two fresh clips shot at last week’s New York City premiere of the upcoming movie “Spa Weekend.”
One post is one of the comedy’s stars, Isla Fisher, striking a pose in a shimmery dress. The other clip is the Aussie actress yukking it up with costars Anna Faris, Michelle Buteau and Leslie Mann on the red carpet.
The caption for both explains the “hilarious” flick, about a girls’ trip gone wrong, is in theaters this Friday.
But as most of the people who follow Hilton’s account know, the gossip legend remains hospitalized after an alarming TikTok Live Aug. 4.
First responders rushed to his Miami home after multiple 911 calls reported the blogger was engaging in acts of self-harm. He was taken to the hospital and is reported to be in serious but stable condition. He remains under the medical care for both his physical and emotional state, according to a statement on his official, eponymous website.
Many commenters were perplexed to see new content from Hilton’s account pop up. The last post was on the same day, Aug. 4, featuring the “Ted Lasso” premiere in Brooklyn.
“How?” questioned one fan under the solo Fisher post. “Is he OK?”
Hilton (real name Mario Lavandeira Jr.) is obviously not the person sharing the footage and, unfortunately, not OK.
The Belen Jesuit alum’s younger sister Barbara Giarraffa wrote on his site she would be taking over digital duties while her brother recovers. The L.A. resident, who helped him start his blog two decades ago, also revealed she was at the house at the time of the emergency. TikTok has permanently banned Hilton’s account for violating the platform’s community guidelines.
Giarraffa, who also was born and raised in Miami, explained she used to work with Hilton before the father of three moved to Las Vegas a few years ago. The 42-year-old appears to be getting some help. She tagged celebrity photographer John Pascarella, who reshared the “Spa Weekend” premiere on his own page.
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.
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.