TikTok is facing backlash after allowing a disturbing livestream from Perez Hilton to run for 30 minutes before the platform suspended his account. The former Celebrity Big Brother star, 48, was seen brandishing a knife, covered in blood, and cutting himself on the streaming app.
Fans' reports ignored
Thousands of users who viewed the live video reported the footage repeatedly, but no urgent action was taken. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, appeared naked in the stream before his account was finally suspended.
TikTok's official safety policy on mental and behavioural health states: "We don't allow showing, promoting, or sharing plans for suicide or self-harm." The guidelines also prohibit nudity and body exposure.
During the livestream
During the broadcast, Hilton told viewers he was "killing" himself. Streamers begged him to stop, with one writing, "just think about everything you've got going for you."
Local law enforcement agencies were seen around Hilton's home. Rather than confronting him immediately, officers used crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate the situation.
Public outrage
Users expressed anger over TikTok's delayed response. One said, "Genuinely think TikTok should be held liable in some way for allowing that Perez Hilton feed to last 30 minutes. Absolutely insane." Another added, "I think we need a class action lawsuit for allowing TikTok to keep the Perez Hilton video up for over 30 minutes. There were children watching that video."
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old for a standard account, but for children under 13, the platform offers a restricted viewing experience in some regions or requires explicit adult management. Users complained these regulations do not go far enough.
One user said, "This is insanely triggering. It's so unfair that TikTok didn’t do something quickly enough, given the young people who use that app." Another commented, "This is how you know the TikTok moderation system is just AI because how did Perez Hilton not get banned the minute he went on that live he was on live for 30 minutes until they banned him."
Police response and hospitalisation
Concerned fans also inundated police with calls. A spokesperson for the Miami-Dade Sheriff's office said: "In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritise de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication."
"Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilising crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimise the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public."
Hilton was later transported to a local hospital and is receiving treatment. In a statement to TMZ, his spokesperson said: "We are aware of the concerning content circulating online involving our client, Perez Hilton. At this time, we have not been able to make direct contact with him, despite our ongoing efforts to reach him. Our primary concern is Perez's health and well-being, as well as his family's well-being. Until we have confirmed information, we will not speculate or comment further. We appreciate everyone's concern and ask that his privacy be respected during this time."
The Mirror has approached TikTok for comment.
