Police swiftly responded to celebrity blogger Perez Hilton’s Miami residence following his upload of a concerning video that appeared to show self-harm.
The Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office confirmed to Newsweek that they received a series of calls reporting a person livestreaming acts of self-harm. Deputies were promptly dispatched to the scene to assess the situation.
Upon arrival, officers engaged with Hilton’s family present at the location. According to reports, they chose to “tactfully disengage” while continuing to keep a close watch over the circumstances.
In a statement acquired by Newsweek, the Miami-Dade County Sheriff’s Office explained, “In cases involving individuals in a mental health crisis or self-harming, deputies focus on de-escalation by allowing time, creating distance, and fostering communication.”
The statement further highlighted, “Unless there’s an immediate danger to others, slowing the process and applying crisis intervention techniques can significantly decrease the chances of a suicide-by-cop scenario. It also minimizes the risk of harm to the individual, deputies, and the public.”
The blogger, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., is father to three children welcomed via surrogacy.
Page Six has reached out to representatives for Hilton but has not heard back.