Perez Hilton’s hospitalization has turned into a far more serious situation than a short medical stay.
The celebrity blogger is facing the possibility of an extended period of psychiatric care after being hospitalized following a disturbing livestream incident.
While doctors address his physical injuries, the bigger question now concerns what happens after he is medically discharged. Those close to Hilton fear his recovery could stretch far beyond the immediate aftermath.
Perez Hilton’s hospitalization appears to have opened the door to a much longer recovery process than initially expected.
The 48-year-old was hospitalized under Florida’s Baker Act following a livestream incident that left him needing treatment for “significant” blood loss and other injuries.
While his immediate medical needs remain a priority, people close to Hilton say the aftermath could be considerably more complicated.
A friend told the Daily Mail that Hilton understands “something happened” but is currently struggling to fully process it.
“But he doesn’t have a lot of presence of mind. He’s not able to fully process what happened,” the friend said.
The same source warned against expecting a quick turnaround, saying, “This is not going to be something where in five days, I’m like, ‘he’s fine,’ This is months, maybe years.”
Hilton Could Face Several Paths After His Medical Discharge
What happens once Perez Hilton is medically stable could depend largely on the psychiatric assessment that follows.
Under Florida’s Baker Act process, a person can initially be held for evaluation, with a 72-hour assessment period determining what happens next.
Veteran Florida attorney Mark Astor told the Daily Mail that Hilton would not necessarily simply walk out once that period ends.
“You don’t just get to walk out of there after 72 hours,” Astor shared, adding, “Whether it’s a mental health issue, drugs, or all of the above, they need to get to the bottom of what has happened here. Period.”
Astor outlined several possible outcomes, including the media personality being released, agreeing to remain voluntarily for treatment, or facing a petition for involuntary placement.
If the latter happens, a judge would become involved, with a hearing generally required within five days. Such proceedings are confidential.
Perez Hilton’s Family Could Have A Major Say In His Next Steps
Hilton’s loved ones may also become increasingly important as decisions about his longer-term treatment take shape.
His mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has reportedly remained by his side at HCA Florida Kendall Hospital, while his sister Barbara Giarraffa could also become involved in discussions surrounding his care.
One possibility would be for Hilton’s family to seek placement in a private treatment facility rather than leaving his care entirely within the state system.
According to Astor, such treatment could cost between $15,000 and $30,000 per month, depending on the facility and level of care.
His relatives could also potentially pursue guardianship, which would allow them to assume greater responsibility for healthcare decisions.
Astor said cooperation from Hilton could make a transition from state involvement to private treatment easier.
“If he’s willing to get help, great. It’s possible they come to an agreement with the state for what’s known as a bed-to-bed transfer,” he explained.
Hilton’s Mother Files For Temporary Custody Of His Children
With Perez Hilton’s recovery expected to take considerable time, attention has also turned to the three children caught in the aftermath of his health crisis.
As The Blast stated, Hilton’s mother filed for temporary custody of his children in Miami family court on August 7, seeking to provide them with stability following the disturbing livestream incident.
The children, Mario, Mia, and Mayte, aged 13,11, and 9, respectively, had reportedly been living with their grandmother in Miami after recently relocating to be closer to family.
According to reports, Hilton’s children, along with his sister and niece, were at his home shortly before the livestream began but left once they realized he was experiencing a severe mental health crisis.
Lavandeira’s attorney said the custody request was intended to protect the children and give them stability during the situation.
Hilton has reportedly consented to the arrangement, acknowledging that it is in the best interests of his children. The filing also seeks protections from further media attention, with Lavandeira asking that the case be sealed.
Jared Padalecki Walks Back Support For Perez Hilton
As Hilton’s family begins making decisions about his care and his children’s future, the fallout from his livestream incident has also prompted an unexpected response from Jared Padalecki.
The “Supernatural” star initially shared a message of support for Hilton during his mental health crisis, but quickly faced criticism from people who pointed to the blogger’s controversial history of targeting celebrities.
Padalecki subsequently deleted his original message and offered an explanation, saying he had not known the full extent of the blogger’s past behavior.
“I simply thought he was a ‘tabloid’ type of sensationalist journalist,” Padalecki said in a tweet, acknowledging that his initial reaction was based on the belief that someone experiencing a serious crisis deserved compassion.
He stressed that his intention was not to excuse Hilton’s past actions and apologized to anyone who felt hurt by his words.
Padalecki, who has been open about his own mental health struggles, also urged people to look after themselves and one another.
