Perez Hilton Reportedly Hospitalized After Disturbing Livestream Sparks Emergency Response

It started as a livestream, but within minutes, thousands of worried viewers realized something was terribly wrong.

Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized on Tuesday, Aug. 4, after deputies with the Miami-Dade County Sheriff's Office (MDCSO) responded to his Florida home following what appeared to be an act of self-harm during a TikTok livestream, according to multiple reports.

After the livestream ended, graphic clips that appeared to show Hilton covered in blood quickly spread across social media, adding to the concern of those who had been watching in real time.

Deputies were dispatched after receiving numerous calls from concerned viewers who had witnessed the distressing livestream on social media, an MDCSO spokesperson told PEOPLE. When deputies arrived at the home, they found Hilton alone inside.

Officials said their focus was on safely handling what appeared to be a mental health crisis.

“In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication,” the spokesperson for the MDCSO said.

“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,” the statement added, as reported by PEOPLE.

With assistance from Miami-Dade Fire Rescue, deputies transported Hilton to a nearby hospital for medical attention. The MDCSO's Crisis Response Unit and licensed mental health professionals also responded to the scene, where they provided support and resources to Hilton's family members.

The hospitalization comes after several serious health challenges for Hilton earlier this year.

In March, he was hospitalized in Las Vegas with severe sepsis. Just a month later, in April, Hilton revealed that he had been hospitalized again after developing "a deep vein thrombosis on my right leg."

He underwent a thrombectomy to remove a blood clot and spent several weeks recovering while largely confined to bed. On April 7, Hilton shared a video showing himself back on his feet, marking an important step in his recovery.

Tuesday's incident has once again brought attention to the importance of recognizing mental health emergencies and responding quickly when someone appears to be in crisis. In this case, viewers who contacted authorities helped prompt an emergency response that included law enforcement, firefighters, and trained mental health professionals working together to get Hilton the care he needed.

If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges, emotional distress, substance use problems, or just needs to talk, call or text 988, or chat at 988lifeline.org 24/7.