TikTok has faced criticism after allowing Perez Hilton's alarming live stream to continue for 30 minutes before it was finally cut off. The former Celebrity Big Brother star, 48, broadcast himself brandishing a knife, covered in blood, and cutting his body on the platform.
Thousands of users who witnessed the live video reported the disturbing footage repeatedly, but no urgent action was taken. Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr, appeared naked during the stream before his account was suspended.
Safety policy breach
TikTok's official safety policy regarding mental and behavioural health states: "We don't allow showing, promoting, or sharing plans for suicide or self-harm." Guidelines also stipulate that nudity and body exposure are strictly prohibited.
During the live stream, Hilton told viewers he was "killing" himself, as streamers begged him to stop, with one writing, "just think about everything you've got going for you."
User outrage
TikTok is now under scrutiny for the delay in response. "Genuinely think TikTok should be held liable in some way for allowing that Perez Hilton feed to last 30 minutes. Absolutely insane," said one user.
"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," said another.
TikTok requires users to be at least 13 years old to create 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 the regulations do not go far enough.
"This is insanely triggering. It's so unfair that TikTok didn’t do something quickly enough, given the young people who use that app," said one TikTok user. Another responded: "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
As well as reports to TikTok, concerned fans inundated police with calls. Rather than immediately confronting Hilton, law enforcement officers used crisis intervention techniques to de-escalate the situation.
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."
Hospitalisation and statement
Hilton was later transported to a local hospital and is receiving treatment. In a statement to TMZ, Hilton's 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.
