TikTok Fails to Remove Perez Hilton's Self-Harm Stream for 15 Mins Due to 'Error'
TikTok Fails to Remove Perez Hilton's Self-Harm Stream for 15 Mins Due to 'Error'
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton hospitalized after self-harm livestream on TikTok remained online for 15 minutes. TikTok blames 'moderator error'. Family asks for privacy during this difficult time.
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton was hospitalized recently after a disturbing self-harm livestream he broadcast on TikTok remained online for a significant period. The video, which sparked immediate concern among his followers, was reportedly visible for between 15 and 20 minutes before it was finally taken down.
Following alerts from concerned viewers, police were dispatched to Hilton's Miami home, where they "safely recovered" him. He was then transported to a local hospital, where he is currently receiving medical attention. The incident has raised serious questions about TikTok's content moderation policies and their effectiveness, especially concerning highly sensitive material.
TikTok has acknowledged the delay, attributing it to a "moderator error." The social media giant stated that while their automated moderation system did flag the video for removal within minutes, an unspecified error prevented it from being stopped promptly. Hilton's account was subsequently suspended for violating TikTok's Community Guidelines, which strictly prohibit self-harming content. The company claims a 99.3 percent proactive removal rate for videos that breach its rules, and reports suspending over 50 million livestreams between January and March of this year alone for similar violations.
In the wake of the incident, Hilton's family released a statement on his website, expressing gratitude for the overwhelming support and prayers. "Many of you have reached out with concern for Perez, and we are incredibly grateful for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers," the statement read. They confirmed that Perez is receiving medical care and emphasized that the family's focus is entirely on his well-being, requesting privacy during this challenging period. They promised to share updates when they are able.
Perez Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., rose to prominence in the 2000s with his eponymous gossip blog, which was known for its controversial, no-holds-barred content and its practice of publicly outing celebrities.
