Entertainment News4 min(s) read
Published 16:26 12 Aug 2026 GMT
Hollywood gossip blogger Perez Hilton could face months or even years in a secure psychiatric facility following a self-harm livestream on TikTok, close sources and legal experts have revealed.
Hilton, 48, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., was hospitalized after being detained under Florida's Baker Act when viewers witnessed him repeatedly slash himself with a knife.
Doctors at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital are currently treating him for significant blood loss and additional injuries that will require upcoming surgeries.
A source close to the personality indicated that he likely faces permanent physical scarring from the incident and remains unable to grasp the full extent of the crisis.
"Perez knows that something happened and he knows that things aren't good right now," a friend revealed to the Daily Mail.
"But he doesn't have a lot of presence of mind. He's not able to fully process what happened." The friend added, "This is not going to be something where in five days, I'm like, "he's fine," This is months, maybe years."
Once medically discharged from the hospital, Hilton will not return home. Instead, he will be transferred to a secure mental health facility where specialists will have 72 hours to evaluate his condition.
While he could theoretically be released if deemed no longer a danger to himself or others, legal experts consider that outcome unlikely.
Florida attorney Mark Astor, who specializes in Baker Act cases, explained that automatic release after three days is improbable given the circumstances. "You don't just get to walk out of there after 72 hours," Astor stated to the Daily Mail.
"Whether it's a mental health issue, drugs, or all of the above, they need to get to the bottom of what has happened here. Period."
Astor outlined the legal options authorities face, noting, "Number one, they could release him. Number two, they get him to agree to stay on a voluntary basis."
He added, "Or number three, they could file what's known as a petition for involuntary placement," which would trigger a confidential court hearing before a Miami-Dade judge within five days.
During such a hearing, representatives would evaluate whether long-term involuntary holding is necessary. "Most of the time these things take place inside the actual facility," Astor noted.
"There's going to be a prosecutor from the state attorney's office, and either a private defense lawyer or a court-appointed public defender."
He noted that "There'll probably be a doctor there from the facility saying this is why we need more time." While standard court orders can hold a patient for up to six months, Astor anticipates an initial 30-day placement.
Hilton's 72-year-old mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has remained at his bedside, while his three children (Mario, 13; Mia, 11; and Mayte, 8) remain in her care away from the hospital.
His family, including sister Barbara Giarraffa, could seek a transfer to a private treatment facility or petition for legal guardianship to assume control over his medical decisions.
"If he's willing to get help, great. It's possible they come to an agreement with the state for what's known as a bed-to-bed transfer," Astor explained. "They could potentially file for a guardianship. In effect, they would be saying to the judge, listen, we want to get the state out of the picture here."
Astor added, "He's got a family that loves him and we want to be the decision-makers for him."
Reflecting on the public nature of the breakdown, Astor observed, "This has probably been a long time coming. He just reached the point of no return," noting, "The fact that he did it online on TikTok suggests he was praying for help: 'Somebody come and save me.'"
However, Astor expressed optimism for Hilton's ultimate recovery, saying, "The idea here is to get him back in the game, not to tarnish him or take his children away. I think he's going to get the help he needs and he's going to be a dad again."
In an official statement, Hilton's team confirmed: "Perez's condition remains serious but stable." They noted, "He experienced significant blood loss and sustained additional injuries that will require surgery in the coming days."
The statement concluded, "His treatment and recovery will be a long process. We are grateful that Perez was able to spend time with his mother and sister yesterday," adding, "As our family remains focused on Perez's treatment and recovery, we also need the space and privacy to care for everyone affected by this situation."
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
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