American celebrity blogger Perez Hilton livestreamed himself cutting his body while covered in blood and repeatedly saying he wanted to die before the broadcast was removed by TikTok. Deputies later located his home but disengaged after determining he was alone inside.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office said it received multiple calls about a person livestreaming acts of self-harm and quickly located the individual’s residence. Relatives at the scene confirmed the individual was alone inside.
The sheriff’s office said that deputies “tactically disengaged” while continuing to monitor the situation.
The livestream on Tuesday showed Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., with dozens of apparent cuts across his face and body. At several points, he could be seen cutting himself with what appeared to be a sharp knife.
“I’m not dead yet,” Hilton said during the broadcast. He also said, “I want to be dead,” and threatened to provoke police into fatally shooting him.
“I hope the cops shoot me to death,” Hilton said. “I’m going to tell them I’m going to hurt them.” The livestream was later taken down by TikTok.
The sheriff’s office said officers try to create time and distance during mental health crises when there is no immediate threat to others, particularly when statements suggest the person may attempt to provoke a fatal confrontation with police.
Hilton, a father of three, rose to prominence in the mid-2000s through his celebrity gossip website, PerezHilton.com. He has since appeared on numerous television programs and developed a large following on social media.
If you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis related to suicide, mental health or substance use, call or text the U.S. Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 to speak with a counselor in your area.
