Jared Padalecki has apologized after his public message supporting Perez Hilton during the celebrity blogger’s hospitalization sparked criticism online. The “Supernatural” star initially wished Hilton well following a serious mental health crisis that resulted in authorities responding to his Miami home. However, some social media users objected to the message because of Hilton’s controversial history of targeting celebrities and their families through his former gossip coverage. Padalecki subsequently deleted the post and explained that he had been unaware of the extent of Hilton’s past conduct.
Padalecki addressed the backlash on X on Sunday, August 9, hours after sharing his original message. “I didn’t know. It’s been brought to my attention,” the 44-year-old actor wrote. “I’m sorry [red heart emoji].”
Padalecki’s initial post came after Hilton was hospitalized following a disturbing livestream in which he appeared to engage in acts of self-harm.
While the actor’s message focused on Hilton’s wellbeing during the crisis, critics argued that it failed to account for the people who say they were harmed by the blogger’s past behavior.
Padalecki removed the original statement before returning with a lengthier explanation of his intentions.
The Actor Explains Why He Initially Offered Forgiveness
Padalecki said he knew Hilton had previously been unkind to him but believed offering grace was healthier than holding onto anger. “To give more detail re: my post wishing someone well. I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA about his past,” Padalecki wrote. “I had heard of him. Obviously. I had heard that he hadn’t exactly ‘been kind’ to me in the past.”
The “Gilmore Girls” alum said his instinct was to forgive someone who may have wronged him personally. “So, my thought is always to give grace and forgiveness to those who may have tried to ‘harm’ you … in my experience, it usually works out better than holding a grudge or wishing punishment on someone else,” he continued.
However, Padalecki acknowledged that his understanding of Hilton’s history had been extremely limited. “That having been said, I TRULY didn’t know ANYTHING about the extent to what he has done,” the actor wrote. “That’s my bad.”
‘Supernatural’ Star Distances Himself From Hilton’s Actions
Padalecki claimed he had never visited Hilton’s website or researched the controversies surrounding his celebrity coverage. “On my life, I have never in my life, not once, looked him up or gone to one of his sites,” he explained. “I simply thought he was a ‘tabloid’ type of sensationalist journalist.”
After learning more, Padalecki stressed that his compassionate message during a mental health crisis should not be interpreted as an endorsement of Hilton’s previous conduct. He said he does not “stand for” or support any of those actions. “Full stop. I’m sorry if my words caused any harm,” Padalecki stated. “And, I hope you ALL are well out there, and taking care of yourselves.”
His clarification attempted to hold two positions simultaneously. On one hand, he seemed to condemn conduct he had only recently learned about. On the other hand, he made sure to maintain his broader belief that someone experiencing a crisis should not be wished further harm.
Adrianne Curry Forgives Hilton Despite Their Painful History
Padalecki was not the only celebrity forced to confront complicated feelings about Hilton’s hospitalization. Former “America’s Next Top Model” winner Adrianne Curry also expressed concern for the blogger despite claiming that he subjected her to years of bullying. Curry said the two were “never” friends but acknowledged what she described as Hilton’s “redemption arc.”
After winning “ANTM” in 2003, Curry alleged that Hilton repeatedly targeted her on his website, encouraged the public to ridicule her and drew male genitalia over photographs of her. “He bullied me and got the public to bully me. This was during his peak years,” she explained.
Despite that history, Curry said she wanted Hilton to understand that even people who had reasons to dislike him still believed his life held value. “I pray that he knows that his life has meaning and purpose,” she said.
The former model emphasized that her message did not erase their past, but she no longer wanted to carry anger toward him. “I wish him peace,” Curry shared.
Addressing Hilton directly, she added, “I forgive you, I don’t think you should be hurting yourself, and I hope you get f-cking better.”
Perez Hilton’s Family Says Recovery Will Be ‘A Long Process’
Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, has not publicly addressed his hospitalization or the livestream. His family said he remains in “serious but stable” condition after sustaining significant injuries.
“He experienced significant blood loss and sustained additional injuries that will require surgery in the coming days,” his relatives said in a statement. “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. 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.”
The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office confirmed that deputies responded to reports of a person “livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.” Authorities said the person was “safely recovered” and transported to a hospital.
Hilton’s family said he was hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act, which permits an emergency mental health evaluation and temporary hold when someone is believed to be at risk of harming themselves or others.
TikTok removed the troubling livestream after it was flagged by the platform’s automated moderation system. A company spokesperson acknowledged that a moderator error delayed its removal.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
