Perez Hilton's family has issued a new update on his condition, confirming he is able to communicate, which has given them hope as he continues his recovery in hospital.
Family's hopeful update
In a statement, the family said: "Our family wants to once again thank everyone who has reached out with prayers, kind messages, and support for Perez. Your compassionate humanity during this profoundly heartbreaking time has meant more than words can express."
They added: "This has been incredibly difficult and emotional for us, made even harder because very little information has been made available to our family. While we continue to wait for further updates, we remain hopeful."
"We have also been able to confirm that Perez is able to communicate, which has given our family hope."
Incident details
The TV personality was rushed to hospital on Tuesday night after police responded to "multiple" emergency calls over concerns for his welfare. During a livestream on a video-sharing app, which lasted 30 minutes before his account was suspended, Perez was seen covered in blood while brandishing a knife. The Mirror has chosen not to show clips of the livestream.
Local police decided not to confront Hilton immediately, instead using crisis intervention techniques to attempt to de-escalate the situation. Licensed mental health professionals stayed at the scene and were "providing support and resources to the individual's family."
Police statement
In a statement, 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."
The family respectfully asks for continued prayers, understanding, and grace as Perez recovers, saying they are taking things one step at a time and keeping their focus on his recovery.
