Perez Hilton’s sister shares account of his recent crisis and recovery

Perez Hilton’s sister Barbara Lavandeira shared account of his recent crisis and provided update on his recovery

Perez Hilton’s sister Barbara Lavandeira has shared a firsthand account of the events that led to the celebrity blogger’s hospitalisation, while providing an update on his recovery and family’s response.

Lavandeira was at Hilton’s Miami home on August 4 when emergency services were called after he was reportedly seen harming himself during a TikTok livestream.

In an interview with Page Six, she recalled becoming concerned after her brother locked himself in his room, which she said was unusual for him.

She said she entered the room and found Hilton in the bathroom with a box cutter and multiple injuries.

"What I can say with certainty is that I didn't recognize my brother when I looked at him. I saw it in his eyes. They didn't look the same. Then, a split second later, he smiled at me. It felt like I was staring at someone else," Barbara said.

According to Lavandeira, Hilton had spoken to her and their mother about feeling depressed in late July.

She said he had described feeling "empty, hopeless, and like he was a burden on everyone" and had also disclosed taking painkillers left over from a recent surgery.

Barbara said she encouraged him to seek psychiatric treatment, which he agreed to. He was later discharged following several days of evaluation and treatment for "severe depression". She said he subsequently attended therapy sessions.

On the day of the August 4 incident, Hilton had reportedly completed an intake call for an intensive outpatient programme and was expected to begin group therapy the following week.

Lavandeira said Hilton remains in hospital and that the family does not know when he will be released.

"I don't want to offer a timeline or make promises about when he might come home. Right now, the most important thing is that he receives the treatment he needs and isn't rushed through any part of his recovery," she said.

Hilton’s three children are currently being cared for by his mother, Teresita, under a temporary custody arrangement.

Barbara said the children have not been taken away from their father and that the family is focused on providing them with stability and support.

"Our mother is caring for them, and our entire family is helping provide the love, stability, privacy, and professional support they need," she said.