Things have taken an even more serious turn following the disturbing mental health emergency involving veteran celebrity gossip blogger Perez Hilton.
After the 48-year-old internet personality, born Mario Lavandeira Jr., was rushed to a Miami hospital after self-harming during a horrifying TikTok live broadcast, reports indicate his family is taking legal steps to ensure his three young children are fully protected.
As previously reported, family members have confirmed that Perez’s kids, ages 13, 11, and 8, were actually inside his Miami home alongside his sister and niece just moments before the stream started. When it became clear he was undergoing an intense mental health breakdown, relatives reportedly rushed the children out of the house to shelter them from trauma, and now his mother, Teresita, along with immediate family, is stepping in to secure temporary custody while Perez faces a lengthy recovery road, TMZ reports.
The legal filing reads, “The children in this case should not be subjected to any further trauma related to the incidents that are the basis of the petition.”
Even in the condition that he’s in, he understands that’s what’s best for his kids right now. Per the outlet, he has signed a consent form to give his mother rights to take his kids.
<h2>More On The Incident:</h2>
The harrowing incident unfolded earlier this May h when viewers tuned into TikTok only to find Perez distressed, bloodied, and wielding a knife while uttering chilling statements like, “This is what you all wanted,” and, “It will be interesting to see what happens after you die”. Alarmed followers immediately flooded 911 with emergency calls, prompting Miami-Dade Sheriff’s deputies and crisis units to surround his Westchester residence.
Law enforcement officers confirmed that Perez was alone inside the house when they arrived, successfully de-escalating the situation before Miami-Dade Fire Rescue transported him to HCA Florida Kendall Hospital. Authorities subsequently placed him under Florida’s Baker Act, an involuntary psychiatric hold utilized when an individual presents an imminent threat to themselves or others.
In an emotional public statement released on Perez’s website, his family broke their silence to address the terrifying situation and shed light on what transpired behind closed doors. “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 read. “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”.
Representatives added that Perez suffered significant blood loss and requires surgery for additional injuries, emphasizing that his treatment and stabilization will be a long process.
While TikTok came under swift heavy fire across social media for failing to shut down the broadcast faster, platform officials confirmed they eventually banned Perez’s account and notified law enforcement. Perez’s talent team at Golden Artists Entertainment also released a statement prioritizing his health and asking fans for grace, prayers, and privacy as the family navigates custody arrangements, trauma support for the children, and his extended stay in medical care.
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or experiencing a crisis, support is available 24/7 by calling or texting 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.