MIAMI, Aug 9 — Perez Hilton remains in a “serious but stable” condition and faces surgery after suffering significant blood loss during an apparent self-harm incident at his Miami home, his family has revealed.
The celebrity blogger, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., remains hospitalised under Florida’s Baker Act following the incident earlier this week, according to an update published on PerezHilton.com yesterday.
His family also pushed back against what they described as inaccurate reporting, insisting that Hilton has not spoken publicly or communicated with the media since being admitted to hospital.
“There are many false and inaccurate reports circulating in the media regarding Perez and the circumstances surrounding this situation,” the family said in a statement, according to People.
“We want to confirm that Perez remains hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act.”
The Baker Act allows a person experiencing a mental health crisis to be temporarily detained for psychiatric evaluation under certain circumstances.
The family said Hilton’s communication has been “extremely limited” and restricted to immediate relatives, medical providers and others directly involved in his care.
“He has not communicated with the media or issued any public statements,” they said.
“The only statements regarding Perez that should be considered credible and authorised are those published directly on PerezHilton.com.”
Authorities were called to Hilton’s Miami home on August 4 after receiving reports of a “suicide attempt,” the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office previously confirmed to People.
Giving the clearest update yet on his injuries, Hilton’s family said: “Perez’s condition remains serious but stable.”
“He experienced significant blood loss and sustained additional injuries that will require surgery in the coming days,” the statement continued.
“His treatment and recovery will be a long process. We are grateful that Perez was able to spend time with his mother and sister yesterday.”
The family said its focus was now on Hilton’s treatment and recovery while appealing for privacy, particularly for his children.
“There is absolutely no reason for members of the media or the public to remain outside the family’s home,” they said.
“We again respectfully ask members of the media to leave the home and surrounding area, stop following family members, and cease photographing Perez’s children.”
Hilton is father to Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, eight, who live with him in Miami. The family recently moved there to be closer to his mother, Teresita Lavandeira.
“Perez’s children remain safe and are being cared for by immediate family,” his relatives said.
“Please allow them and the rest of the family the peace and privacy they desperately need during this incredibly difficult time.”
According to an earlier family statement cited by People, Hilton’s children, sister and niece had been home shortly before the livestream in which he appeared to harm himself.
When it became apparent he was “experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself,” they “immediately fled” the property, the family said.
His relatives had previously said on August 5 that Hilton was “able to communicate,” which had given them “hope.”
They concluded their latest statement: “Thank you for your continued support, compassion, and understanding.”
*If you or someone you know is struggling with self-harm or suicidal thoughts, help is available. In Malaysia, contact Befrienders KL at 03-7627 2929, available 24 hours a day, or the Health Ministry’s Talian HEAL at 15555, which operates daily from 8am to midnight.
