It’s been more than a month since the events of August 4, and we wanted to share an update with everyone who has continued to reach out, send messages, and share well wishes for Perez and our family.
After weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for his physical injuries, Perez entered a residential treatment program where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery.
This was an important next step, but there’s still a long road ahead. Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery. He still does not have access to his phone or laptop, and his contact with family and friends remains limited so that he can focus fully on getting better.
We’re also aware of several false reports claiming to describe Perez’s current physical and mental condition. To be clear, Perez has not lost ten years of his memory, does not believe it’s 2016, and is not confused about where he is. He is lucid and communicates clearly with his family. He does not have stitches and is not covered in gauze. And no, he has not asked anyone to bring Katy Perry to see him or mentioned her. No family member, and no one authorized to speak on Perez’s behalf, provided these false claims.
His three children remain together, safe, and doing well in the care of their grandmother, who has stepped in to care for them full-time during this unexpected chapter. Our family’s priority continues to be giving them as much stability, routine, and “normalcy” as possible while their dad focuses on his recovery. We are incredibly grateful for everything their grandmother is doing for them.
We are also incredibly grateful for the continued outpouring of love, kindness, and well wishes for Perez and his children. Every thoughtful message has been appreciated.
Unfortunately, we’ve also seen some deeply disturbing comments from people saying they wish Perez had succeeded in taking his own life. Whatever anyone may think of “Perez Hilton,” his past, or things he has said over the years, there’s a real human being behind the name. Mario is a father of three, a son, a brother, and a friend who reached a point where he was struggling so deeply that he thought the people he loved would somehow be better off without him.
Perez has spent years acknowledging, apologizing for, and genuinely trying to grow from the things he said and did earlier in his career. The internet has a way of preserving old versions of people, even when the person behind them has changed. No one has to forget his past or accept his apologies. But we hope we can all agree that celebrating someone’s suicide attempt crosses a line.
Three children came frighteningly close to losing their father forever. There is nothing funny or entertaining about that.
For now, Perez’s job is to focus on getting healthy. Our job as his family is to support him, care for his children, and give them the stability they need while he does that.
September is Suicide Prevention Month, and we hope this can also serve as a reminder that mental health struggles can affect anyone, even when others may not see what someone is going through.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, please reach out for help. In the United States, you can call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
If there’s one thing we hope people take away from what our family has experienced, it’s that asking for help can save a life.
We know recovery will take time, but there has been progress.
Perez is alive, he’s getting help, and he’s surrounded by people who want to see him healthy and happy again.
Right now, those are the things that matter most. ❤️
The Perez Hilton Team & Family
For resources on mental health, visit: https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/find-help
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, help is available. Consider contacting the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988, or visit:
https://988lifeline.org
