Perez Hilton‘s family released a new statement Aug. 6 that revealed the celebrity blogger’s children were evacuated from his home alongside his sister and niece amid his disturbing TikTok livestream that broadcast during the evening of Aug. 4. Hilton appeared to self harm during the live stream and was subsequently hospitalized. His TikTok account has since been banned from the platform.
“Our family cannot express enough our continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time,” the most recent statement from Hilton’s family reads. “The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family.”
“Just minutes before the public livestream incident, Perez’s children, niece, and sister were inside the home. 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,” the statement continues. “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. For the children’s safety, privacy, and well-being, we respectfully ask members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return. Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Hilton’s family wrote in an Aug. 5 statement amid the blogger’s hospitalization that “he is able to communicate, which has given our family hope.”
Police responded to a possible suicide attempt at Hilton’s Miami home on the evening of Aug. 4, and he was hospitalized later that night. Viewers of Hilton’s TikTok livestream had contacted police after seeing him covered in blood and cutting himself with a knife. A TikTok spokesperson told People that the platform’s automated moderation system flagged Hilton’s livestream after several minutes and that it was shut down after 15 minutes.
If you or anyone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline by dialing 988 or go to SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources.