The children, niece and sister of celebrity blogger Perez Hilton fled his Miami home as the 48-year-old experienced what his family has described as a "severe mental health crisis" during a deeply distressing social media live stream on Tuesday night local time.
Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira, appeared to harm himself while broadcasting live from his Florida residence. Concerned fans who witnessed the stream contacted emergency services, and later that evening an ambulance was seen leaving the property. Police confirmed he had been transported to a local hospital, where he received medical attention.
WARNING: This story contains distressing content. If you or someone you know needs help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or speak to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
Family Reveals Children Were Inside the Home
In a statement issued on Thursday, Hilton's family confirmed that his three children, his niece and his sister were present in the home when the incident unfolded. According to the family, as it became clear he was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately left the premises to shield the children from witnessing any further trauma.
The family described the days since the incident as "nearly unbearable", saying their highest priority now is giving his children the space and support they need to heal from what they experienced. They also appealed to media, paparazzi and members of the public to stay away from the area surrounding the home.
"Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time," the family said.
For more background on how police responded to the self-harm live stream at Hilton's Miami home, including the initial emergency response, earlier reporting covers those developments in detail.
Family Thanks Supporters Amid Ongoing Wait for Updates
A day earlier, on Wednesday local time, the family had already broken their silence to thank the public for an outpouring of support. They acknowledged the difficulty of the situation had been compounded by receiving "very little information" about Hilton's condition.
"Your compassionate humanity during this heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express," the family said in that earlier statement, adding that they remained hopeful as they continued to wait for further updates.
A Career Marked by Fame — and Recent Health Setbacks
Hilton first rose to prominence in the early 2000s through his widely read celebrity gossip blog. He has since expanded his profile, authoring four books and appearing in two off-Broadway musicals.
The live stream incident is the latest in a series of serious health challenges for Hilton this year. Earlier in 2026, he spent several weeks hospitalised after developing severe sepsis following a stomach ulcer. He was subsequently hospitalised a second time after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his leg, requiring surgery to remove a blood clot.
The crisis has prompted a wider conversation about how mental health struggles are reflected and addressed in popular culture, with advocates urging greater awareness and open discussion around seeking help.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14. For further information about depression, contact Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
