LOS ANGELES, CA. (THECOUNT) — The family of celebrity blogger Perez Hilton released a new statement Thursday saying his children, niece, and sister were inside his home just before a widely reported livestream incident in which he allegedly engaged in self-harm during what relatives described as a severe mental health crisis.
According to the statement, family members realized Hilton was experiencing a mental health emergency and immediately fled the residence with the children to protect them from witnessing any further trauma.
|
Advertisement |
“Just minutes before the public livestream incident, Perez’s children, niece, and sister were inside the home,” the family wrote. “When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma.”
Relatives said their primary focus is now helping the children recover from the events they experienced and allowing them to safely return home.
“Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced,” the statement said. “An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.”
The family also issued a public appeal asking members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to stay away from the family’s residence to protect the children’s privacy.
“For the children’s safety, privacy, and well-being, we respectfully ask members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return,” the statement read. “Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time.”
Relatives thanked supporters for what they described as an overwhelming outpouring of prayers, compassion, and encouragement in the days following the incident.
“Our family cannot express enough our continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement said. “The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family.”
The family said future updates regarding Hilton’s condition will be released through PerezHilton.com when additional information is available. No further details about his medical condition were provided.
The statement concluded by directing readers seeking mental health resources to the National Institute of Mental Health.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. In the U.S. and Canada, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. If you are elsewhere, contact your local emergency services or crisis hotline.
DEVELOPING::