Let Them Mourn In Peace

heath_ledger_memorial_166_wenn5079463.jpg

Heath Ledger's family will arrive in New York City on Friday from Australia.

Out of respect for their privacy, we won't name the funeral home the service will take place in. It'd be nice if the media left his family alone on that day, but we don't think that will happen.

Ledger's ex, Michelle Williams, and daughter, Matilda, arrived at their Brooklyn home on Wednesday. They were greeted by hordes of paparazzi. So wrong.

We didn't use those pics. Nor did we use the pics of Ledger's body being taken out of his apartment.

And we won't use pics from outside the funeral parlor.

Hopefully others will follow suit.

[Image via WENN.]

    Posted: Jan 24, 2008 at 3:34 pm / Email this  »

    1151 comments to “Let Them Mourn In Peace”

    More comments: « 12 3 4 5 6 7 8 [9] 10 11 12 »

    1. tenille says – reply to this


      801

      I am an aussie and it is such a sad time for us here i do not give a fuck what people are saying about him you all do not live here in australia he was never a wierdio just an amazing actor who HATED THE PRESS!!!!!!!!!!! so let him be in peace

    2. Shepherdgrrl says – reply to this


      802

      Way to go Perez. My hat is off to you. Finally someone in the media shows compassion for a star's untimely death. *hugs*

    3. jen in canada says – reply to this


      803

      Bravo! Impressive move Perez. Thank you.

    4. Pinkie says – reply to this


      804

      I think what you meant to say Perpoop is that you won't be stealing those photos from other sites.

    5. Kate says – reply to this


      805

      THANK YOU!!!! WHY why why does the media THINK that we actually want to see Heath rolled out in a body bag??!?! Nice way to respect the deceased and his family and friends. And then these shows that roll the clip over and over again, PATHETIC. Just leave them alone. And LEAVE Michelle Williams and Matilda ALONE…no one needs to see pictures of them, and they dont deserve the disrespect!! Thank you VERY much for being respectful of Heath, his family, his baby and this situation, its VERY admirable and refreshing! THANKS PEREZ :)

    6. banana says – reply to this


      806

      rest in peace (L)

    7. no big deal says – reply to this


      807

      Re: harry – thanks.
      Got any of Michelle arriving to the appartment etc?
      I'm leaving this site to get the gossip i want and am refused just because Heath played a gay character/perez is pretending to be respectful
      I'm not sick - like you said- you can't even see anything.
      I hate this "I know something you don't know" attitude. If he didn't mention it I wouldn't have bothered but now i fucking want to see!!
      asshole

    8. EvvisPresley says – reply to this


      808

      Perez,
      Thank you for staying classy. I saw on a couple of sites that the pictures of his body being removed, and it just disgusted me.

    9. Nik* says – reply to this


      809

      i think you are doing the right thing by not showing the pics of him in a body bag…NO ONE needs to see that!! It's just disrespectful to him and his family and I honestly have a tremendous respect for you that you chose not to post those!!

    10. Christine says – reply to this


      810

      Rightly so.
      Thanks for not using any of those photos.
      Its not right to intrude on a family who is mourning.

    11. Sarah says – reply to this


      811

      So you're a stalker who respects boundaries and has ethics?

      Ok then… How about not dragging someone's name through the mud (and enjoying it) when they clearly have a mental illness? Or is that somehow OK in your mind? Get over yourself, Per-Lez. You can't be a stalker AND have a shred of decency.

      Oh… and by the way, Castro is still very much alive. But thanks for trying to incite riots in Miami a few times.

    12. bruab says – reply to this


      812

      I think it's awesome that you are taking the high road, but at the same time you also think it's funny to make fun of Brittany's kids and the situation going on there amongst many other things that are completely not joke material. You tell her to kill herself and laugh when she is denied visitation? Why the change of heart? You think all these other situations are so funny why not this? Why not cash in on this one and laugh all the way to the bank? It's who you are anyways.

    13. Kat says – reply to this


      813

      I think that's great what you are doing this is a really hard time for the family because it was so sudden. Everyone should respect there privacy right now because no matter how he died it is hard to lose someone you love. I hope you all agree with me.

    14. Bridget says – reply to this


      814

      Re: kelly – He isn't being a hypocrite. He is being respectful of the dead. Perez has never hidden the fact that what he does isn't always nice but he also is not forcing you to come to his website to view it. Take responsiblity for your own voyeurism.

    15. lauren says – reply to this


      815

      perez, i think its a wonderful thing you are doing, showing support and respect for heath and his family. as for everyone hating on you because of the britney situation- can we just be honest people, the girl loves being exploited. calling paps before she goes anywhere, getting gas and starbucks 5 times a day, doing things that normal people wouldn't do. she drives around aimlessly loving all the attention shes getting. i love her to death and truly want her to get better, but you can't possibly think that she doesn't deserve to be made fun of because she puts her life out there for EVERYONE to see.

      all my love, perez! you're the bomb

    16. oliver says – reply to this


      816

      i have to agree with kelly. i find it interesting that you are not posting pictures, and respecting the family of heath ledger yet you continue to insult, and disrespect others in the industry. yes, it is terribly sad that such a young talent has passed, but i find it just as sad that you ridicule others in the industry during their hardships. i hope this small display of compassion on your part eases your fall, because i do believe it will all one day bite you in the ass.

    17. hannah says – reply to this


      817

      perez, this is why i love your site more than news sites. on everything else, Fox, CNN, NBC, ect. there have been pics of them taking him out of the apartment and just pics that i dont think are fair to the family. media and razzi dont seem to understand that its not just an actor, he was a father, friend, and son. they dont take his family and friends feelings into consideration because all they want is that one picture that will sell out copies of magazines and be all over the websites and tv broadcasts.
      With that said, I am so happy that there is at least one website that will not show images that are downright rude and uncalled for. Great choice, Perez..this makes me love you even more.

    18. Emily says – reply to this


      818

      i'm really happy to see this post about not showing the pictures. thank you so much. it really shows respect that he and his family deserves.

    19. lol says – reply to this


      819

      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
      That's sort of like being a vegetarian.
      They're still going to kill cows even if a few people won't eat them.
      You idiots are out-numbered by millions.
      I want the warm fuzzies you seem to get from "moral" things like not looking at a couple of pics, cuz they must be hella strong.
      (PS- I am not calling vegetarians idiots)
      ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

    20. Rebecca says – reply to this


      820

      Amen Perez!!! Having hundreds of cameras in your face taking pictures of you and your family while trying to deal with this great loss and tradegy is just un-called for and plain out rude. More people - like you Perez - need to give them respect.

    21. Bouttime says – reply to this


      821

      Ha you can do some low things Perez, but those pictures or comments were usually brought on by those people themselves, so its fair game. This, however, was tragic. I respect the decision to not post the pictures, its the right thing to do. Death is a completely different subject than someone walking through the city in her red bra…lol. So, go Perez!
      And, to whoever wrote #2- kelly, why are you on this site? You are endorsing the same thing you claim as hypocritical. Moron!

    22. Jana says – reply to this


      822

      I have alot of respect for you Perez! as an Australian and a huge Heath Ledger fan, I applaud your decision. It is good to see someone in the media making a stand! You rock and I love your site!

    23. anynomous says – reply to this


      823

      thank you perez for not posting those pics. your one of the only people who is currently respecting the family's privacy.

    24. MB says – reply to this


      824

      I COMMEND YOU ON DOING THE RIGHT THING. IT'S NICE TO KNOW THAT YOU DO HAVE A CONSCIOUS. THIS MAKES ME LOVE YOU AND YOUR SITE EVEN MORE. I DO HOPE OTHERS IN THE MEDIA LOOK AT YOUR EXAMPLE AND FOLLOW SUIT. YOU ARE DOING THE RIGHT THING. THANKS PEREZ!!!!!!!!!!!!!

    25. Mira says – reply to this


      825

      I just hope you'd do the same for, say, Britney, and now show devastating pictures of what many forsee for her future.

    26. Chris says – reply to this


      826

      Perez I agree!!!!! Enough is Enough!!

    27. cmelanieb says – reply to this


      827

      Thank you Perz! You are a classy guy (when it really matters ;p). I feel NO need to view very private moments in famous people's lives but do LOVE the details after the fact.

    28. Mira says – reply to this


      828

      I just hope you'd do the same for, say, Britney, and not show devastating pictures of what many forsee for her future.

    29. cam says – reply to this


      829

      perez, not putting up the pictures and not saying the name of the funeral home is SO nice of you! good for you. RIP Heath, love you, always have, always will

    30. beth says – reply to this


      830

      very classy of you.

    31. rene1327 says – reply to this


      831

      That is very nice of you Perez…Just wish ya would have exercised the same respect and restraint when you decided to post the 911 from Kanye Wests' mothers' death…. what a hypocrite!

    32. Sarah C says – reply to this


      832

      You people are pathetic if you think Perez's small gesture of restraint in this ONE story make him classy or kind. What is so honorable about treating someone with dignity after they are dead when you are helping so many toward insanity with the rest of your site? Do you think because you don't pull the trigger - I mean, snap the pictures that you are somehow innocent? You post all the garbage that those packs of wolves/papparazi supply you with. I'm glad you're not posting the Ledger pics but it seems an arbitrary place to draw the line.

    33. Jenn says – reply to this


      833

      "You won't use those pics"….you shouldn't because your fat ass didn't take them.

    34. Lillz says – reply to this


      834

      Perez you are doing the right thing and that picture above really says it all. Thank you for being decent about this.

    35. Meghan says – reply to this


      835

      I think you're doing the right thing, Perez. Yeah, you do "post other pics of other people insult their children" (Kelly) and whatnot, but it's totally different where the deceased are concerned.
      Thank you, Perez! You're totally in the right.

    36. Wilis says – reply to this


      836

      To the creators of this site. I can see this is nothing more than a ploy to make yourself look better than the other gossip sites. You want yourself to look in good light and that is it.

      Maybe you will show the same compassion for Britney et al at their funerals, mind you I should hope so since you will be a main contributor to her death.

    37. Anon says – reply to this


      837

      Respectable

    38. Carrie says – reply to this


      838

      Thank GOD! I watched MSNBC show Heath being taken out in a body bag and it made me sick. Literally.

    39. Jenn says – reply to this


      839

      I appreciate you not using the pictures of Heath's body being taken out of his apartment nor the pictures from outside the funeral. I wish others would follow.

    40. NZA says – reply to this


      840

      Good Job Perez, I am glad you know when to respect someone's privacy. Because there is a difference and I am glad you recognize it. I couldn't believe they showed the video footage of him as they brought him out of his hotel, it was horrible. We all have to remember that he has a family, he has a baby girl!!

    41. sharon says – reply to this


      841

      erez, I just want to say Thank you for not posting those pictures, i think its disgusting that they wont let anyone mourn without a camera in their face..

    42. roni says – reply to this


      842

      good for you perez for having respect for the family.my heart goes out to them.

    43. Christie says – reply to this


      843

      Thank you Perez. I'm glad to see that you know when to draw the line, and hopefully considering your influence in the blogosphere, your decision will have an impact.

    44. dee says – reply to this


      844

      if your being so 'thoughtful' why don't you stop insinuating he was an addict…you really are a prick, you know, eh mario?

    45. Melissa says – reply to this


      845

      I've always loved you Perez but this is very nice of you. I know that you really know when to show respect when it is needed.
      .
      For all of you calling him a hypocrite, whatever. Other people throw themselves in front of cameras and want us to see them in headlines. This is someones tragic DEATH. he's not being hypocritical, come on.
      .
      Good job on CNN! LOVE YOU!

    46. he is a hypocrite says – reply to this


      846

      Re: Bridget – go look up the anna nicole posts if they're still in the archives.
      he exploited her death to the max, he posted pics of her dead body (!!!)
      Or have you forgot? Or is it okay because she's a woman? Partied? Wasn't gay/in a film about a gay cowboy? Wasn't a cute guy ?

    47. YOU are the moron says – reply to this


      847

      Re: Bouttime – you have to read something before you know whether you object to it or not. Moron

    48. Dana says – reply to this


      848

      Wow, you have somewhat of a heart! Imagine that!

    49. Aussie4eva says – reply to this


      849

      Thankyou Perez, finally someone in the media with a bit of class. Everyone needs to remember he was a son, brother and father and stop speculating on what happened. Its happened, its horrible but in the end he was a human being and a loved member of someones family.

    50. Pam says – reply to this


      850

      That is really noble of you. Someone they love just died, so you would think these people would have some respect. We all want to know what happened, but talking pictures of his grieving family is not going to get you anywhere.

    51. kaye says – reply to this


      851

      Perez thats lovely honey - I really hope others do follow suit too. Nice touch love

      x x x x

    52. Joanna says – reply to this


      852

      There is nothing I hate more than a hypocrite! You don't mind putting photos of children with hate words and insinuating that they're pimps or hookers or druggies…you had no problem pimping on the death of Anna Nicole but all of a great sudden you've turned RIGHTOUS!!!!!! PULEASE….who's yanking the Keyboard, Perez…?

    53. Roxy says – reply to this


      853

      Thats really commendable of you, and i do hope and pray that others will follow suit. Do you think that perhaps if the media, including yourself, refuses to post or cover the downward spiral of Britney that her life could be spared such tragic ending as this?? Something to think about….

    54. Jaime says – reply to this


      854

      Thank you, thank you, thank you. Let him rest in peace.

    55. candice says – reply to this


      855

      Perez,

      I really respect you for not using the pictures of his body, for not posting the funeral arrangements, etc. It is wrong of the media to continue to show it over and over again. Entertainment Tonight seemed to have it on repeat showing his body being wheeled into the ambulance.

      So wrong. so, so wrong. I wish the press would leave it alone–they are simply dirtying his name with all the drug speculations.

    56. Mandy says – reply to this


      856

      This is the first time I've read a post and thought, "Maybe Perez isn't a douch afterall"

    57. tracey says – reply to this


      857

      KUDOS!

    58. PEREZ IS A HYPOCRITE says – reply to this


      858

      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!

    59. PEREZ IS A HYPOCRITE says – reply to this


      859

      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!

    60. PEREZ IS A HYPOCRITE says – reply to this


      860

      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!
      Perez get off your self-righteous high-horse. You exploit people everyday!

    61. perezrocks says – reply to this


      861

      I applaud you for staying away from this, and for not publishing the Anna Nicole barf pics from a few months ago.

    62. morgan says – reply to this


      862

      thanks for using journalistic integrity and choosing not to use images that (in my opinion) clearly violate the privacy of heath and his family. i appreciate it and am saddened that other news agents haven't shown that same integrity.

    63. Melissa says – reply to this


      863

      for hte first time I am impressed by Perez Hilton … hope you guyz stick to it

    64. PM says – reply to this


      864

      Way to go Perez! I always knew there was a stand up kind of guy somewhere deep-deep-deep-deep in there somewhere.

    65. MY says – reply to this


      865

      I think that it is commendable that you are choosing to do your part in giving his family privacy and peace in such a difficult time…however, it would be nice if you didn't feed into the rumors and specualtions surrounding his death/life. I also think that it is GREAT that you have provided the email addresses of all involved with Gibson's show.

    66. NeverReadingPostsAgain says – reply to this


      866

      Re: YOU are the moron
      Ha. So sorry, this is probably your first time on the site and you had no idea what to expect. Either way, if you want to make negative comments and overlook the good Perez is trying to do in this situation, then fine :)

    67. Veris says – reply to this


      867

      I know how it may sound but….I still cannot belive that Heath is dead. Perez.. I'm glad that you will not show any of those pictures.

    68. lauren_kc says – reply to this


      868

      I want to commend you on your stance of NOT posting the pictures. I hope that others will look at you and choose to do the same. During this mourning time, his family deserves to mourn in peace. When I see those images of Heath's body being wheeled into the ambulance all I can think of his daughter, Matilda. She is too young to understand what's going on, but let her mother decide what she can and can not see. Thank you, Perez, for setting the standard.

    69. Marie says – reply to this


      869

      I'm so glad you didn't use the pictures of his body being taken out. I was disgusted when I saw them on other websites and on tv. It's very respectable of you to give his family their space. Hopefully others will as well.

    70. Bridget says – reply to this


      870

      Re: he is a hypocrite – Yep went through the archives. No dead photos of Anna Nicole. And who cares if Heath was in a gay film, or male, or good looking? His family deserves respect. Anna Nicoles family practically lived in front of the media. They seemd to love the attention. All they cared about was who got her money.

    71. kellie says – reply to this


      871

      thanks perez- that's classy of you!

    72. Rosie Doss says – reply to this


      872

      you will always be remembered as that hot guy on ten things i hate about you!
      ily

    73. ocmama says – reply to this


      873

      i love you perezito!

    74. jessie says – reply to this


      874

      thank you thank you thank you!!!
      I think sooo many people appreciate that and it's a sign that there are true people in the media outlet with hearts.
      I know his family thanks you too.

    75. LB says – reply to this


      875

      so we get morals on this but it's ok to follow brittney spears around who is obviously so so sick….

    76. Rick says – reply to this


      876

      Classy move Perez, I admire your respect for the tragedy. What a shame to lose such talent, terribly sad.

    77. Ladena says – reply to this


      877

      Good for you, I don't need to see the photos of his body etc.

      I also completely agree that his family should be left to mourn in peace.

    78. allyson says – reply to this


      878

      that's really classy of you, perez. :]

    79. evie says – reply to this


      879

      Great decision Perez….New found repect for you! I agree with #8 Amanda and Thanks again.

    80. Elizabeth says – reply to this


      880

      Good - let's show some respect and leave them all alone.

    81. ME_ME_ME says – reply to this


      881

      NEVER THOUGHT YOU ACTUALLY HAD MORALS. WOW.

    82. Just a thought... says – reply to this


      882

      You know instead of saying you would not post inappropriate pictures in an attempt to gain some respect from people you could have just quietly not done it. In fact, by stating you are not going to exploit the situation, you are exploiting it. Next time just do what is right. Do not make a post saying what you are not going to just to get a few pats on the back in the form of comments.

    83. Josie says – reply to this


      883

      Not giving the information of the funeral home and not showing the picture of the departed is as kind and respectful act Perez. I'm proud of you. I feel so heartbroken about this young man who was so talented leaving so soon from us. His family and friends are in my thoughts and prayers.

      Let the man Rest In Peace…it's the right thing to .

    84. Nayala Smith says – reply to this


      884

      Hi Perez, I am Nayala and I made and put this memorial at Heath's apartment building. Tons of photog's took photo's of it, and I am wondering how do I keep this poem memorial from being thrown out? I'd love for Heath's little girl or family to get to keep this lovely piece. Have any ideas on how to get it to them? Thanks!!

    85. SN says – reply to this


      885

      Gee, if Britney were to drop dead tomorrow, I wonder if you will have the same "respect."

    86. thank god says – reply to this


      886

      good man perez. its disgusting how shameless the papparazzi truly are. this is an awful tragedy… and its not only immoral but inhumane to document it excessively. respect is devalued and ignored completely nowadays… but its refreshing to see you, an influential person within the media, being respectful to those who need it most.

    87. i'm with you perez says – reply to this


      887

      Re: kelly – people want to read about this, and it's fine if Perez writes about it. Perez just has a problem with photogs bombarding the family during private times, like the funeral. there is nothing hypocritical about what Perez is doing. don't hate, appreciate

    88. Candice says – reply to this


      888

      You are definitly being a hypocrite

    89. Sar says – reply to this


      889

      Thank you Perez for being so thoughtful to the Ledger family. I only hope that other agencies follow your example. As a fellow Australian, it is very sad to see a wonderful actor go before his time. My thought & prays go out to his family, His beautiful daughter & to Michelle, who will have to raise the little one on her own.

    90. sarah says – reply to this


      890

      GOOD FOR YOU!!!!!!

    91. Danielle says – reply to this


      891

      It's the entertainment industry people!!! They will do shit like this….duh!! Atleast some people (Like Perez and Star Jones) know their boundaries and dont cross that line.

    92. mary says – reply to this


      892

      thank you perez! it makes me physically sick to see pictures of his body being wheeled out of his apartment on highly respected internet sites such as AOL. i really appreciate the example you are sending to other media outlets by giving us the facts about his death, and only the facts. the ledger family does not deserve a media circus.

    93. twiggy says – reply to this


      893

      Perez, you're such a damn saint. Maybe you're changing but I will only believe it if you can treat others with this much respect in the future. I doubt it because then you wouldn't have a website. Leaving the Ledger family alone is the right thing, but you're parading it around like you're such a great guy and well, you're not.

    94. good says – reply to this


      894

      good for you ph

    95. maddog says – reply to this


      895

      omg who are you and what have you done with Perez???? I respect you for the first time ever in this sudden sense of heart.

    96. Lauren says – reply to this


      896

      I am very proud of you on this Perez. I hope this responsible awesomeness continues onto other celebs. :)

    97. Colleen says – reply to this


      897

      Thank you to Perez Hilton & everyone that works on this site for this incredibly kind gesture.

    98. Jennifer says – reply to this


      898

      Well done, Perez. You are a class act. You have integrity and that is what makes you shine brighter than the rest. Keep striving for the sky . . .

      Yours truly,
      Jennifer

    99. annoyed says – reply to this


      899

      If you agree so much with Star Reynolds statement and you want him to mourn in peace that stop reporting on it. Has anyone ever been through a death of a loved one. The last thing you want to deal with is seeing it all over the place and having people following you around and speculating false rumors on the one you love. Heath Ledger led his life in privacy, so let's respect his life and mourn his death the same way. In privacy!

    100. marie says – reply to this


      900

      God your such a hypocrite, a few weeks ago you made fun of the guy for looking so shitty all the time and for losing his hair. You never know exactly whats going on in peoples private lives, obviously he was suffering at the time and now you playing the big moral guy. Please, what goes around comes around. Best to remember that!!!

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