Jared Padalecki apologizes after supporting Perez Hilton amid mental health crisis

Jared Padalecki apologizes after supporting Perez Hilton, saying he was unaware of the blogger’s controversial past

Jared Padalecki has apologized for publicly supporting Perez Hilton after learning more about the gossip blogger’s controversial history.

The Supernatural star initially reached out to Hilton on X following his recent hospitalization after a serious mental health crisis. Padalecki, who has previously spoken openly about his own struggles with depression and suicidal ideation, encouraged Hilton to seek support and reminded him that difficult periods can pass.

“Please surround yourself with the love and support that all humans deserve. This too shall pass,” Padalecki wrote in his now-deleted post.

Padalecki later removed the message after social media users highlighted Hilton’s history of controversial celebrity coverage, including reports involving Padalecki himself.

“I didn’t know,” the actor wrote, adding that he was sorry after learning more about Hilton’s past. He later explained that although he was aware of Hilton as a tabloid figure, he did not know the full extent of the actions he had been accused of.

I didn’t know. It’s been brought to my attention. I’m sorry ❤️

— Jared Padalecki (@jarpad) August 9, 2026

Padalecki said he did not support any harmful actions attributed to Hilton and apologised if his original message had caused distress.

The actor has been an advocate for mental health awareness for years. He has previously discussed his experience with depression and suicidal thoughts and launched the Always Keep Fighting campaign in 2015 to support people dealing with depression, addiction and self-harm.

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., remains hospitalised in serious but stable condition, according to his family and representatives. He sustained injuries and significant blood loss following a disturbing livestream that prompted emergency services to respond to his Miami home.

Hilton has faced longstanding criticism for his treatment of celebrities, including accusations of cruel and invasive coverage. In March 2026, he apologised for his past behaviour as a blogger and said he intended to change.