Barbara Lavandeira, the younger sister of Perez Hilton, has shared a firsthand account of discovering her brother during a severe mental health crisis and suicide attempt at his Miami home.
Speaking exclusively to Page Six, Lavandeira described the events of August 4, when Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., livestreamed acts of self-harm on TikTok before being taken to a medical facility for emergency care.
Discovering the crisis and ensuring children’s safety
While visiting from California, Lavandeira became concerned when her 48-year-old brother locked himself in his bedroom and bathroom, which was unusual for him. After his faint responses stopped, she unlocked the doors and came face-to-face with the distressing scene.
“When I opened the door, my nightmare became a reality. Mario was standing in front of the shower, naked, cut up, covered in blood, with a box cutter in his hand. What I can say with certainty is that I didn’t recognize my brother when I looked at him. I saw it in his eyes. They didn’t look the same. Then, a split second later, he smiled at me. It felt like I was staring at someone else.”
Lavandeira quickly escorted Hilton’s three children, Mario (13), Mia (11), and Mayte (8), out of the house and into a vehicle before calling 911.
“The first call I made was to the police. Then I messaged my best friend, who lives nearby, while I was on with dispatch, and asked her to please come get the kids and take them away from the scene,” she said.
While waiting for paramedics, she returned inside to apply towels and help control Hilton’s blood loss. “He had already lost a significant amount of blood, yet he was somehow still able to speak, although his voice was very faint,” she said.
Emergency medical personnel transported Hilton to a local hospital, while Lavandeira stayed to brief crisis responders.
Clarifying the record and addressing backlash
Lavandeira explained that, as the sole eyewitness, she chose to speak publicly to provide accurate information amid online rumors, fabricated quotes, and negative commentary referencing Hilton’s early internet career.
“The comments calling this ‘karma’ have been especially painful. I wouldn’t wish what my mother, Mario’s children or our entire family is experiencing on anyone,” Lavandeira said, emphasizing that Hilton publicly apologized years ago for his past controversial coverage and has worked hard to evolve.
“I’m not asking anyone to forget or excuse any of that… I don’t believe someone should be reduced forever to the worst things they did in their past, especially when they’ve admitted the harm and genuinely tried to grow. Whatever anyone thinks about Mario, his children and our mother are innocent.”
Health battles and ongoing recovery
This crisis follows a series of severe medical and personal challenges for Hilton in recent months.
In March, Hilton was hospitalized for 21 days due to a perforated ulcer and life-threatening sepsis, followed by emergency surgery for a massive blood clot a month later. Sources told Page Six that high medical expenses and difficulties adjusting to a recent move from Las Vegas to Miami contributed to the strain.
After the incident, Hilton’s mother filed for temporary custody of his three children while he continues to receive medical treatment.
Lavandeira expressed gratitude on behalf of the family for the outpouring of prayers, support, and concern. “The support has meant more to us than I can properly express,” she said.
