Key facts
- Perez Hilton livestreamed self-harm on TikTok on Tuesday night.
- Authorities responded to his Miami home and he was hospitalized.
- Users criticized TikTok's moderation and the length of the livestream.
Perez Hilton is "able to communicate" following hospitalization after a disturbing TikTok livestream where he appeared to self-harm. The platform faces criticism over content moderation, though it stated automated systems flagged the broadcast within minutes.
The incident highlights ongoing concerns about content moderation on social media platforms like TikTok and the potential for graphic content to spread, impacting user safety and mental well-being.
Perez Hilton is "able to communicate" following hospitalization after a disturbing TikTok livestream where he appeared to self-harm. The platform faces criticism over content moderation, though it stated automated systems flagged the broadcast within minutes.
During the livestream on Tuesday night, viewers urged Hilton, 48, to stop as he engaged in self-harm. Local authorities responded to his home in Miami, Florida, and he was subsequently transported to a hospital for medical treatment. His TikTok account was suspended shortly after.
Users criticized TikTok, with some claiming the livestream lasted over 30 minutes. A TikTok spokesperson disputed this, stating the broadcast was approximately half that length and that automated systems flagged it within minutes, referring it to human moderators. Subsequent livestreams were removed within 90 seconds, and Hilton's account was banned. TikTok also alerted local law enforcement.
Screen recordings of the footage have circulated on platforms like X and Instagram, prompting advice to disable video autoplay and mute mentions of Hilton. On Wednesday evening, Hilton's family released a statement thanking supporters and confirming he is receiving medical care and is now able to communicate.
Perez Hilton, born Mario Lavandeira Jr., gained fame in the early 2000s with his celebrity gossip blog.