TikTok confirms error that allowed shocking Perez Hilton livestream to continue for 15 minutes
Warning: This article contains discussion of self-harm which some readers may find distressing.
Following Perez Hilton’s disturbing livestream, TikTok has confirmed the reason why the platform allowed him to broadcast for 15 minutes before removing it.
According to the social media app, a ‘moderator error’ occurred which delayed the removal of the stream on Wednesday evening (August 4).
On the livestream, the blogger appeared to engage in self-harm, which prompted worried fans to call the emergency services. Hilton was eventually ‘safely recovered’ and transported to a local hospital where he is now receiving medical and mental health care.
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A spokesperson for TikTok confirmed that the platform had proactively alerted law enforcement to the situation to help get Hilton support along with removing the broadcast and banning his account.
However, some viewers were shocked to find that the livestream had been allowed to continue for 15 minutes before being taken down and now, TikTok has explained why this happened.
A spokesperson for the app confirmed to LADbible Group that, while its automated moderation systems flagged the livestream within minutes and routed it to the moderation team for review, it was a moderator error that caused a delay in the removal.
Perez Hilton's Family Speaks Out
Two statements from Hilton’s family have been released, with the initial comment confirming that the internet personality is ‘receiving medical care’ and that his family’s focus is ‘on his well-being’.
In a second update, his family wrote: “Our family wants to once again thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support for Perez. Your compassionate humanity during this profoundly heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express.
“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.
“We have also been able to confirm that Perez is able to communicate, which has given our family hope.
“We respectfully ask for your continued prayers, understanding, and grace as Perez continues to recover. We will share additional updates as we receive confirmed information and are able to do so. For now, we’re taking things one step at a time and keeping our focus where it belongs, on Perez and his recovery.
“Again, thank you, truly, for all your support and compassion. We are so grateful.”
The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office confirmed they arrived at Hilton’s residence where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside.
The statement continued: “In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritise de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication.
“Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public.”
Who is Perez Hilton?
Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, first rocketed to fame in the early 2000s after he launched his blog site PerezHilton.com.
The page is a celebrity gossip blog which became infamous for its aggressive form of reporting which some celebrities called out as bullying.
He was criticized for publicly ‘outing’ celebrities as gay, using his page to speculate about the sexualities of individuals including Lance Bass and Neil Patrick Harris.
At the peak of his fame in 2007, his blog site was attracting eight million visitors a day.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in a mental health crisis, help is available through Mental Health America. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org. You can also reach the Crisis Text Line by texting MHA to 741741.