Perez Hilton taken to hospital after livestreaming self-harm
UPDATE: Perez Hilton has been safely taken from his home and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention, according to the sheriff’s office. Crisis response officers and licensed mental health professionals are also providing support to his family.
American celebrity blogger Perez Hilton livestreamed himself cutting his body while covered in blood and repeatedly saying he wanted to die before the broadcast was removed by TikTok. A person believed to be Hilton was later taken by ambulance from his home.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple calls about a person livestreaming acts of self-harm and quickly located the individual’s residence. Relatives at the scene confirmed the individual was alone inside.
The sheriff’s office said that deputies “tactically disengaged” while continuing to monitor the situation.
The livestream on Tuesday showed Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., with dozens of apparent cuts across his face and body. At several points, he could be seen cutting himself with what appeared to be a sharp knife.
“I’m not dead yet,” Hilton said during the broadcast. He also said, “I want to be dead,” and threatened to provoke police into fatally shooting him.
“I hope the cops shoot me to death,” Hilton said. “I’m going to tell them I’m going to hurt them.” The livestream was later taken down by TikTok.
The sheriff’s office said officers try to create time and distance during mental health crises when there is no immediate threat to others, particularly when statements suggest the person may attempt to provoke a fatal confrontation with police.
At around 10 p.m. local time, footage broadcast by WTVJ showed Hilton standing at a window of the home. About an hour later, a person believed to be Hilton was taken from the residence to an ambulance.
Hilton, a father of three, rose to prominence in the mid-2000s through his celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com. He has since appeared on numerous television programs and developed a large following on social media.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis related to suicide, mental health or substance use, call or text the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak with a counselor in your area.
Full statement by Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office:
The Miami Dade Sheriff’s Office received multiple calls regarding an individual who was live-streaming acts of self-harm on social media. Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside.
In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication. Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public.
At this time, deputies have tactically disengaged while continuing to monitor the situation.
The post Perez Hilton taken to hospital after livestreaming self-harm appeared first on BNO News.
Ella Rae Greene, Editor In Chief
