MIAMI, FL. (THECOUNT) — Despite reports that celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has a net worth of approximately $3 million, his family has launched a GoFundMe campaign to help his mother cover the costs of raising his three children while he receives mental health treatment following an alarming TikTok livestream.
The fundraiser was launched by Hilton’s longtime friend, Tom D’Angora, a Tony-winning producer, to support Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira, who has stepped in to care for the children full-time.
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The campaign, titled “Help Support Perez Hilton’s Children and Their Grandmother”, has a $25,000 goal. It had raised approximately $2,000 at the time of publication.
The fundraiser specifically states that the money is intended for Lavandeira and the children—not Hilton personally.
“None of the money will be used for Perez personally,” the campaign states.
D’Angora said Lavandeira has taken on significant and unexpected expenses after assuming full-time responsibility for the children and providing them with stability while their father focuses on recovery.
“Perez’s mother has stepped in to care for his children full-time and give them the stability and support they need,” D’Angora wrote. “She has also taken on significant and unexpected expenses.”
D’Angora added that his primary hope is for Hilton to recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother and friend.
“More than anything, I want to see Perez recover and return to a happy and fulfilling life as a father, son, brother, and a great friend,” he wrote.
Hilton’s family responded through his website, thanking those who had asked how they could help during the difficult period.
“To everyone who has continued to ask how they can help Perez’s family during this difficult time, thank you!” the family wrote in a statement posted to PerezHilton.com.
Hilton discussed his financial struggles in a 2019 YouTube video, in which he spoke candidly about his worsening finances and the challenges he was facing at the time.
The fundraising effort comes after Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., entered a residential treatment program following a mental health crisis and hospitalization.
Hilton’s family announced Monday, September 14, that he had moved from the hospital into residential treatment to focus on his mental health and recovery. The family said he was expected to remain in treatment for several weeks or potentially longer, depending on the recommendations of his treatment team.
His three children remain together and are being cared for by their grandmother. Earlier court reporting indicated that Lavandeira had been granted temporary custody, while Hilton’s contact with the children was subject to restrictions and psychiatric clearance.
The GoFundMe campaign describes Lavandeira’s financial burden as a direct result of taking care of the children full-time while Hilton remains in treatment. The campaign does not seek to pay Hilton’s personal expenses or treatment costs.
Reports of Hilton’s estimated $3 million net worth have circulated publicly, while separate reporting has described financial pressures involving his Las Vegas home and other personal expenses. His current financial circumstances have not been independently detailed in the fundraiser.
Hilton became nationally known for his celebrity gossip website and provocative coverage of Hollywood entertainers. He has remained active in digital media, including podcasting and online content, for years.
The family has asked the public to focus on compassion and support as Hilton continues treatment and his children adjust to the temporary caregiving arrangement.
Miami is located in Miami-Dade County in South Florida, approximately 280 miles southeast of Tampa and within the Miami metropolitan area. The family’s current location and the fundraiser’s intended expenses are connected to Hilton’s ongoing recovery and the care of his children.
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