TikTok under fire after disturbing Perez Hilton ‘self-harm’ livestream stayed live for 15 MINS with 1,000s able to watch

TIKTOK has been blasted by social media users after a disturbing livestream showing celebrity gossip columnist Perez Hilton reportedly remained on the platform for 15 minutes. Thousands of horrified viewers watched in real time on Tuesday night as Hilton, 48, appeared to self-harm during an apparent mental health crisis. Perez Hilton attends the Not Alone Awards at the Wynn Las Vegas on November 11, 2025 Credit: Getty Police vehicles and sheriff’s deputies were seen outside the Miami neighborhood where Perez Hilton resides on Tuesday night Credit: BackGrid The livestream reportedly showed him naked and covered in blood, prompting concerned viewers to flood the comments begging him to stop and seek help. While some followers claimed they watched the broadcast for around 30 minutes, a TikTok US spokesperson told The U.S. Sun that one stream lasted 15 minutes and automated moderation systems flagged it. Sign up for the Showbiz newsletter Thank you! The video was then escalated to TikTok’s US moderation team for review before it was taken down. However, several subsequent livestreams followed, each of which was removed within 90 seconds before Hilton was banned. The spokesperson said they proactively alerted law enforcement to the situation to help get him support. During the broadcast, Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., allegedly shared his phone number, leading many fans to also call the Miami-Dade Police Department. The incident has sparked scrutiny over TikTok’s response time and its handling of reports from users who said they flagged the livestream while it was still active. It is believed to have been viewed and clipped by thousands of people. Most read in Entertainment Some later claimed on X that their reports were initially returned with notifications stating that no violation had been found. One user wrote, “Perez Hilton sat on that live for 30+ minutes, people reported it and several were sent No Violation found. It took someone finally calling law enforcement.” Another added, “TikTok should be held liable in some way for allowing that Perez Hilton feed to last 30 minutes.” “Can we sue TikTok for our trauma letting Perez Hilton stream for 30 or 40 minutes” a third added. A search for Perez Hilton on the platform no longer shows any results. TikTok’s Community Guidelines state that “We do not allow showing, promoting, or sharing plans for suicide or self-harm.” The platform further explains that content is not allowed if it involves “Showing, promoting, or providing instructions on suicide or self-harm, and related challenges, dares, games, and pacts, including naming or describing methods.” TikTok also says, “We may contact local emergency services, if there is a specific, credible, and imminent threat to human life or serious physical injury, such as sharing details about a plan to harm yourself.” Perez Hilton had been updated fans in recent months on his health battle and mental health Credit: Alamy The 48-year-old gossip blogger was taken to hospital after TikTok users contacted police Credit: Getty In addition, TikTok states, “We aim to remove content or accounts that violate our rules before they are viewed or shared.” These policies form the basis of the debate over whether TikTok’s response to a reported self-harm livestream was consistent with its stated safety standards. Following the livestream, clips circulated widely across other social media platforms, including X, formerly Twitter. Some videos received graphic content warnings that blurred the footage and required users to confirm they wanted to view it, but remain on the social media site. Police responded to Hilton’s Miami home at approximately 7:10 pm and confirmed he was alone inside. Officials said they followed crisis-intervention procedures, using de-escalation techniques while working to safely resolve the situation while speaking with family members. After several hours, deputies gained entry at around 11 pm. Hilton was subsequently transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a hospital via ambulance for medical treatment. Authorities said their priority was ensuring his safety. The incident came after Hilton had recently moved from Las Vegas and listed his $4 million property there for sale. Hilton had recently endured a serious health battle, revealing earlier this year that he spent 21 days hospitalized with severe sepsis and later underwent treatment for a blood clot. On Wednesday, Hilton’s reps also told The U.S. Sun, “At this time, we do not have any additional confirmed information to share regarding Perez Hilton’s condition. “Our focus remains on Perez’s health, recovery, and the privacy of both him and his family during this incredibly difficult time. “We are grateful for the outpouring of concern and support from fans, friends, and members of the media. “We respectfully ask that everyone continue to honor his privacy while he receives the care he needs.” Mental health helplines If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health issues or thoughts of suicide, help is available. In the US, you can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to connect with trained counselors, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. You can also text HOME to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line and speak with a crisis counselor. Comment now