Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton has been reunited with his three children nearly two months after he engaged in self-harm during a livestream. His family said Hilton remains in residential treatment for mental health concerns and has been able to reconnect with both his children and his mother. They first spent time together through a few video calls; since then he has also seen them in person during short supervised visits at the treatment facility.
Seeing his children in person has meant a great deal to Hilton according to his family. His family understands that the focus right now is on giving him space to recover and make progress even though the situation is difficult for everyone involved. They added that nobody wants to rush anything and for now they are taking things one day at a time.
Hilton’s children who are aged between eight and thirteen are currently in the care of his mother Teresita Lavandeira.
She filed for temporary custody last month after Hilton’s August 4 livestream in which he appeared to harm himself. His family said they immediately took steps to protect the children from further trauma when it became clear Hilton was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself.
In a statement released on September 14 the family emphasized that there is more to Hilton than his public persona. They said that regardless of what others may think about him or his past actions there is a real human being behind the name.
The family also reminded readers that help is available for anyone who needs it.
They encouraged people to call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for support. Additional mental health resources are also available through the National Institute of Mental Health website and the 988 Lifeline website.