MIAMI, FL. (THECOUNT) — Perez Hilton’s sister, Barbara Lavandeira, is speaking publicly for the first time about the night the celebrity blogger suffered a severe mental health crisis and attempted suicide, describing the frightening moments that preceded his hospitalization and the steps she took to protect his three children.
Lavandeira detailed the incident in an exclusive interview with Page Six, describing Aug. 4 as one of the darkest days her family has experienced. Hilton, 48, was transported to a hospital near his Miami home after he livestreamed an apparent suicide attempt on TikTok.
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Lavandeira, who was visiting from California, said she became concerned when Hilton stopped responding after she attempted to check on him. She said he initially told her he was fine, but she could barely hear him. After repeated attempts to get him to answer the door and calls to his cellphone went unanswered, she said she realized something was seriously wrong.
Lavandeira said she eventually entered the room and discovered her brother in the middle of a severe mental health crisis. She described being shocked by what she saw and said the experience was so disturbing that she did not recognize the person she was seeing.
She then left the room and immediately focused on Hilton’s children, getting Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8, out of the house. Lavandeira said she grabbed the car keys and told the children to run to the vehicle.
Once the children were safely away from the home, Lavandeira called 911. She also contacted a nearby friend and asked her to take the children away from the scene while emergency responders handled the situation.
Lavandeira said she later returned to the house while waiting for an ambulance and helped Hilton until medical personnel arrived. She said he had suffered significant injuries but was still able to speak, although his voice was faint.
Hilton was taken to a hospital, where he has continued receiving medical care. His family has previously said that he suffered serious injuries during the crisis and would require surgery as part of his recovery.
The family has described Hilton’s condition as serious but stable and has continued providing limited updates about his hospitalization. Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has also filed for temporary custody of his three children while he remains hospitalized. Hilton consented to the arrangement, which allows his mother to make necessary medical and dental decisions for the children and handle other matters involving their care.
Lavandeira told Page Six that she decided to speak publicly because of what she described as rumors, false reports and fabricated quotes surrounding her brother’s condition. She said she wanted to provide information based on what she personally witnessed.
She also addressed criticism of Hilton stemming from his controversial career as a celebrity blogger. Lavandeira acknowledged that her brother has publicly admitted that some of his conduct earlier in his career was wrong and said he has apologized for his past behavior.
“I’m not asking anyone to forget or excuse any of that,” Lavandeira told Page Six. She said she was instead asking people to recognize that Hilton has changed over the years and has attempted to become a better person.
Lavandeira particularly asked the public to separate Hilton’s past controversies from the well-being of his children, saying they should not be targeted because of opinions about their father.
The crisis came after a difficult year for Hilton that included serious medical problems. He spent three weeks hospitalized in March after developing an ulcer, perforation and sepsis. He was hospitalized again the following month after suffering a major blood clot that required emergency surgery.
Page Six previously reported that people close to Hilton were concerned his lengthy health struggles may have contributed to his deteriorating mental health. The entertainment personality also moved from Las Vegas to Miami in June and was reportedly experiencing financial difficulties related to his medical expenses.
Lavandeira said the family remains deeply grateful for the people who have offered prayers, messages and support during Hilton’s hospitalization.
“Whatever anyone thinks about Mario, his children and our mother are innocent,” Lavandeira told Page Six.
This article discusses a suicide attempt and may be distressing to some readers. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available by calling or texting 988.
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