A long-time friend of Perez Hilton has launched a GoFundMe to support the gossip blogger’s three children as he undergoes treatment following his suicide attempt in early August.
The fundraiser, which aims to raise $25,000, was organized by Hilton’s friend of 14 years, Tony-winning producer Tom D’Angora.
“All funds raised will benefit Perez’s mother and children only and help cover the additional costs of caring for three kids full-time,” D’Angora wrote on the fundraiser’s page, referring to Mario, Mia and Mayte, along with Hilton’s mother, Teresita Lavandeira.
Clarifying that “none of the money will be used for Perez personally,” he noted that Lavandeira has “put much of her own life on hold to make sure the kids can continue going to school, participating in their normal activities, and having as much consistency as possible during an incredibly difficult time.”
On Aug. 4, Hilton — whose real name is Mario Lavandeira, Jr. — was rushed to the hospital after live-streaming a self-harm incident in his home.
At the time, it was revealed that his children — as well as his sister, Barbara Lavandeira, and niece — had been in the home before they fled when things escalated.
Shortly after, his family described his injuries, explaining that he suffered “significant blood loss” and sustained additional injuries that “would require surgery.” His brother-in-law also revealed that he broke several bones throughout the night.
Ahead of his lengthy recovery, Page Six exclusively reported that Teresita filed for temporary custody of his children on Aug. 12 — which he “voluntarily consented” to. He was later granted supervised visitations.
Earlier this week, Hilton’s family revealed he had entered a residential treatment program after spending over a month in the hospital over his suicide attempt.
“After weeks in the hospital receiving treatment for his physical injuries, Perez entered a residential treatment program where he can focus fully on his mental health and recovery,” they wrote in a statement shared to his website on Monday.
“This was an important next step, but there’s still a long road ahead. Perez is expected to remain in residential treatment for several more weeks, potentially longer, depending on what his treatment team believes is best for his recovery.”
The family noted that their priority right now is to support Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8, and give them “as much stability, routine, and ‘normalcy’ while their dad continues his recovery.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or text Crisis Text Line at 741741.
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