Perez Hilton’s family says he is able to communicate while receiving medical care following the alarming livestream that prompted an emergency response at his Miami home.
The update, published late Wednesday, August 5th, provided the most specific information about Hilton’s condition since his hospitalization the previous night.
His family said the development had given them hope, although they were still waiting to receive additional confirmed information about his condition.
No diagnosis, prognosis or expected release date has been publicly announced.
His Ability to Communicate Gave the Family Hope
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Hilton’s family thanked those who had sent prayers, messages and support following the incident. “This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family,” the statement read.
The family said it remained hopeful while waiting for further updates. “We have also been able to confirm that Perez is able to communicate, which has given our family hope,” the statement continued.
His relatives said they were taking his recovery “one step at a time” and would release additional details only after receiving information they could confirm.
The Update Followed an Earlier Request for Privacy
Hilton’s family and team issued an initial statement earlier on August 5th confirming that he was receiving medical care. “Our family’s focus right now is on his well-being,” they said while asking the public to respect Hilton’s privacy and that of his relatives.
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office responded to Hilton’s home on August 4th after receiving multiple reports that an individual was livestreaming acts of self-harm. Deputies spoke with family members at the scene, who confirmed that Hilton was alone inside the residence.
The department said officers used crisis-intervention procedures intended to create time, distance and opportunities for communication while reducing the risk of injury. Hilton was later safely transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital. The Sheriff’s Office Crisis Response Unit and licensed mental health professionals also provided support and resources to his family.
Dispatch communications obtained by PEOPLE described the original call as a “possible suicide” and later used the term “suicide attempt.” Hilton’s family has not publicly used either description or announced a medical diagnosis.
His Podcast’s Future Is ‘TBD’
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Chris Booker, Hilton’s longtime friend and cohost of The Perez Hilton Podcast With Chris Booker, said no decision had been made about the program’s immediate future. “It’s all TBD at the moment as our collective focus is on his health,” Booker wrote in an Instagram statement.
Booker said he had communicated briefly with Hilton’s family and intended to respect their request for privacy. “I certainly hope to continue them with my friend when the time is appropriate,” he wrote of the podcast and its Patreon content.
“The support from our listeners has been resounding. He is very loved. I can only hope that he feels it.” The weekly podcast, which Hilton and Booker have hosted together since 2015, has not been formally canceled.