Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is in a mental health crisis, please contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.”
Update on Perez Hilton’s Health:
More than a month after his hospitalization, Perez Hilton’s family has provided an update concerning his mental health. The blogger, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was hospitalized on August 4 following a distressing TikTok livestream where he appeared to engage in self-harm at his Miami home. Subsequently, he was involuntarily taken for mental health evaluations.
On September 14, the family announced on Hilton’s website that he has entered a residential treatment program for his mental health, with plans to remain there for several weeks while his treatment team assesses his recovery needs. In their statement, they thanked supporters and reiterated that “there’s still a long road ahead.”
To facilitate his recovery, Hilton does not have access to his phone or laptop, and communication is limited to friends and family. His family also addressed various false reports regarding his condition, clarifying that he has not suffered memory loss or confusion, and is lucid.
Children’s Custody:
His mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has been granted temporary custody of Hilton’s three children—Mario (13), Mia (11), and Mayte (8). The family emphasized their priority is to provide stability and routine for the children during this period.
They expressed gratitude for the support from their family and the community, particularly noting the seriousness of the situation: “Three children came frighteningly close to losing their father forever. There is nothing funny or entertaining about that.”
Suicide Prevention Month:
As September is Suicide Prevention Month, the family stressed that mental health challenges can affect anyone, even when the signs are not visible.
Authorities had responded to Hilton’s home on August 4 due to multiple reports of alarming behavior during a livestream in which he appeared distressed.
