Perez Hilton’s Mom Seeks Custody of his three children following the media personality’s hospitalization after a troubling livestream from his Miami home. Teresita Lavandeira filed for temporary custody days after emergency calls led police to Hilton’s residence, according to court records viewed by Page Six. As his family focuses on his recovery and protecting his children, the crisis also joins a broader conversation shaped by celebrities who have publicly discussed their own mental health struggles.
Perez Hilton’s Mom Seeks Custody as Family Prioritizes His Children
Lavandeira filed a petition in Miami family court on Friday, August 7, seeking temporary custody of Hilton’s children, Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8. Miami court documents obtained by Page Six show that Hilton “voluntarily consented” to his mother’s request for temporary custody. The filing came three days after the 48-year-old was hospitalized following emergency calls concerning his welfare.
According to the Daily Mail, Hilton’s three children, his sister Barbara Lavandeira, and his niece were inside his Florida home shortly before the livestream incident. A statement published on Hilton’s website said his family “immediately fled” after realizing he was experiencing “a severe mental health crisis and harming himself.” His team subsequently assured the public that his “children remain safe and are being cared for by immediate family.”
Surveillance footage from a neighboring camera captured law enforcement arriving at Hilton’s home shortly after 7 p.m. A deputy could be heard calling, “Mario, it’s the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, please step out of the house.” TikTok later removed the livestream and suspended Hilton’s account.
His family said the children are now their main concern. “Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.” Hilton welcomed all three of his children via surrogate.
Hilton Endured Several Frightening Health Scares Earlier This Year
The latest crisis follows a difficult year for Hilton’s health. He spent 21 days hospitalized in March after developing an ulcer and perforation after taking flu medication on an empty stomach. He later experienced deep vein thrombosis. After doctors discovered the blood clot, Hilton wrote on Instagram, “I am so thankful to God that we caught this early because if that blood clot had gone to my lungs or my heart, it could have been real bad.” He later shared that he was able to “finally walk again” with assistance from a walker.
Months later, Hilton discussed the frightening experience during an appearance on Fox News Media’s “Hang Out with Sean Hannity” podcast in July. “I was in the hospital for 21 days, so I thought I was gonna die,” Hilton said.
“Especially because the first few days they couldn’t find where the perforation was, and then I had all of these other issues. My body just started breaking down.” He continued, “I had fluid in my lungs. I went AFib. My heart issues. Everything that could go wrong, went wrong.”
Hilton explained that he had taken Aleve and Tylenol without food for a week, saying, “I know, I did that for a week, and I developed an ulcer and a perforation, and here we are.” His family has asked for privacy while he recovers, while also expressing gratitude for the response they have received.
“Our family cannot express enough our continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time,” their statement read. They added, “We will continue to provide updates on Perez’s condition through PerezHilton.com when we have additional information we are able to share. Again, thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued prayers. For now, Hilton’s recovery and the well-being of Mario, Mia, and Mayte remain at the center of a deeply personal family crisis that has moved far beyond the livestream where it first became public.
Hilton Faces a ‘Long Process’ as Other Stars Speak About Mental Health
Hilton’s team said he suffered “significant blood loss” and “additional injuries” and would “require surgery in the coming days.” The statement confirmed Hilton “remains hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act,” adding that his “communication has been extremely limited and confined to immediate family, medical providers, and others directly involved in his care.”
His “condition remains serious but stable,” according to his team, which described his “treatment and recovery” as a “long process.” The family added, “The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family.”
Hilton’s crisis comes as numerous celebrities have publicly discussed their mental health experiences. BetterHelp notes that such conversations can challenge stigma surrounding mental illness and encourage others to seek support. Olympic champion Simone Biles has spoken about therapy after experiencing mental health struggles, saying, “I thought I could figure it out on my own, but that’s sometimes not the case.”
Selena Gomez has discussed her experiences with bipolar disorder, anxiety, and depression, including in “Selena Gomez: My Mind & Me.” Ariana Grande has addressed PTSD following the 2017 Manchester concert bombing, while Naomi Osaka has spoken about depression and social anxiety.
Taylor Swift has discussed disordered eating and body image, Serena Williams has opened up about postpartum emotions, and Elton John has spoken about substance use and bulimia. Other stars who have advocated for therapy include Brad Pitt, Jennifer Aniston, Katy Perry, Kristen Bell, and Emma Stone.
