Perez Hilton’s children fled home during his ‘severe mental health crisis’
The celebrity blogger’s family has shared further details of his live-streamed meltdown.
WARNING: This story contains distressing content.
The family of celebrity blogger Perez HIlton escaped from their home as his mental health deteriorated on a harrowing social media live stream.
Fans of the 48-year-old, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira, alerted emergency services as he appeared to self harm while streaming from his home in Miami, Florida, on Tuesday night local time.
Sign up to The Nightly's newsletters.
Get the first look at the digital newspaper, curated daily stories and breaking headlines delivered to your inbox.
By continuing you agree to our Terms and Privacy Policy.Later that night, images of an ambulance exiting the father-of-three’s home spread online as police confirmed he had been taken “to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention”.
His family issued a statement on Thursday revealing his “children, niece and sister were inside the home” as the disturbing incident began.
“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 family said.
They added the days since the incident have been “nearly unbearable for our family” and added that their “highest priority” is allowing his children to “heal from what they experienced”.
They also asked for media, paparazzi and the public to leave the area surrounding his home.
“Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time,” the family said.
It’s the latest update issued by Hilton’s family, after they thanked “everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support for Perez”.
“Your compassionate humanity during this heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express,” they said in a statement on Wednesday, local time.
“This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family.
“While we continue to wait for further updates, we remain hopeful.”
Hilton shot to fame in the early 2000s with his notorious celebrity gossip blog and has since written four books and featured in two off-Broadway musicals.
Earlier this year, he revealed he had spent weeks in hospital after developing severe sepsis following an ulcer.
Months later, he was hospitalised again after being diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his leg and underwent surgery to remove a blood clot.
If you need help in a crisis, call Lifeline on 13 11 14.
For further information about depression contact beyondblue on 1300 224 636 or talk to your GP, local health professional or someone you trust.
Originally published as ‘Trauma’: Perez Hilton’s kids fled home during confronting incident
