Perez Hilton's Family Shares New Update One Month After Mental Health Crisis, Reveals He Now in Residential Treatment Program | Just Jared

Perez Hilton‘s family and team are sharing a new health update on the podcaster a month after his mental health crisis.

If you don’t know, the 48-year-old gossip blogger, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was taken to the hospital in early August after he was livestreaming on social media and appeared to be harming himself. The disturbing footage was broadcast on TikTok live, and fans grew immediately concerned. Police responded to his home before he was taken to a local medical facility.

In a new update posted on Perez‘s website on Monday (September 14), his family shared a new update on his condition, revealing that he has been moved out of the hospital to a residential treatment program.

“It’s been more than a month since the events of August 4, and we wanted to share an update with everyone who has continued to reach out, send messages, and share well wishes for Perez and our family,” the statement began. “After weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for his physical injuries, Perez entered a residential treatment program where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.”

3

“This was an important next step, but there’s still a long road ahead,” his family continued. “Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery. He still does not have access to his phone or laptop, and his contact with family and friends remains limited so that he can focus fully on getting better.”

Perez‘s family then went on to shut down several false reports that have been made about the podcaster.

“We’re also aware of several false reports claiming to describe Perez’s current physical and mental condition,” his family wrote. “To be clear, Perez has not lost ten years of his memory, does not believe it’s 2016, and is not confused about where he is. He is lucid and communicates clearly with his family. He does not have stitches and is not covered in gauze. And no, he has not asked anyone to bring Katy Perry to see him or mentioned her. No family member, and no one authorized to speak on Perez’s behalf, provided these false claims.”

They added, “His three children remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother, who has stepped in to care for them full-time during this unexpected chapter. Our family’s priority continues to be giving them as much stability, routine, and ‘normalcy’ as possible while their dad focuses on his recovery. We are incredibly grateful for everything their grandmother is doing for them. We are also incredibly grateful for the continued outpouring of love, kindness, and well wishes for Perez and his children. Every thoughtful message has been appreciated.”

3

His family went on to share that Perez is no longer the person he once was and has apologized for his past actions.

“Unfortunately, we’ve also seen some deeply disturbing comments from people saying they wish Perez had succeeded in taking his own life,” Perez‘s family wrote. “Whatever anyone may think of ‘Perez Hilton,’ his past, or things he has said over the years, there’s a real human being behind the name. Mario is a father of three, a son, a brother, and a friend who reached a point where he was struggling so deeply that he thought the people he loved would somehow be better off without him.”

“Perez has spent years acknowledging, apologizing for, and genuinely trying to grow from the things he said and did earlier in his career,” they continued. “The internet has a way of preserving old versions of people, even when the person behind them has changed. No one has to forget his past or accept his apologies. But we hope we can all agree that celebrating someone’s suicide attempt crosses a line. Three children came frighteningly close to losing their father forever. There is nothing funny or entertaining about that.”

“For now, Perez’s job is to focus on getting healthy. Our job as his family is to support him, care for his children, and give them the stability they need while he does that,” his family wrote. “September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we hope this can also serve as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, even when others may not see what someone is going through.”

3

His family then shared sources where those going through mental health struggles can get support.

“If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out for help. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week,” his family shared. “If there’s one thing we hope people take away from what our family has experienced, it’s that asking for help can save a life.”

His family concluded their update by writing, “Perez is alive, he’s getting help, and he’s surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again. Right now, those are the things that matter most. The Perez Hilton Team & Family.”

In a recent interview, Perez‘s sister recounted what happened, noting she did not recognize him when she looked at him.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255), visit 988Lifeline.org, or text the Crisis Text Line at 741741.

Posted To:Perez Hilton