Perez Hilton has been reunited with his three children in person for the first time since his mental health crisis in August, with his family confirming that short, supervised visits have now taken place at the residential facility where he continues to receive treatment.

The update, posted on Hilton's own website on 29 September, marks a significant emotional milestone for the celebrity gossip blogger, who has been receiving intensive psychiatric care since he was hospitalised in early August following a deeply distressing incident in which he livestreamed himself self-harming during a TikTok broadcast at his Miami home.

From Video Calls to Face-to-Face Reunions

The path back to seeing his children has been gradual and carefully managed. According to his family's statement, the reconnection began with a series of video calls before in-person meetings were permitted at the facility.

"They were first able to spend time together through a few video calls, and since then, Perez has also been able to see his children and his mum a few times for short, supervised visits at the facility."

Hilton, 48 — whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr — is the father of Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8. His mother, Teresita Lavandeira, has been present for the reunions and currently holds temporary legal custody of the children under an arrangement approved by Judge Laura Cruz in August. That order allows Hilton visitation only after psychiatric clearance and only under supervision.

A man with styled blonde hair wearing a patterned white and gray shirt in an indoor setting with plants visible in the background.

The family described the moments as deeply charged for everyone involved.

"Seeing his children in person has meant an enormous amount to Perez. There have definitely been a lot of emotions for everyone, but being able to spend that time together has been incredibly meaningful and healing."

Treatment Remains the Priority

While the reunions will understandably be read as a sign of progress, the family was careful to caution against interpreting them as an indication that Hilton's care is nearing its conclusion. Communication with him remains deliberately limited — family members are not able to speak with him every day — as the residential programme is structured to give him the time and space to focus on his recovery without constant outside contact.

According to the family's statement, Hilton is continuing to work with his care team — comprising doctors, psychiatrists and therapists — on understanding what led to his mental health crisis in August, identifying warning signs and developing healthier coping strategies. There is still no confirmed date for when he might leave residential treatment or return home.

A man in a graphic sweatshirt and beaded necklace stands laughing alongside an older woman in a black sweater and red plaid shirt, with three young children in front of them, two girls wearing matching plaid skirts and a boy, all gathered on a patio decorated with pink and gold balloons.

A previous family statement, issued on 14 September, confirmed that Hilton had moved into residential care following several weeks in hospital and noted he could remain there for weeks or longer. The latest update represents the first time the family has publicly confirmed that in-person contact with his children has occurred.

Support Network Rallies Around the Family

Away from the treatment facility, the practical business of caring for three school-age children has fallen entirely to Teresita Lavandeira, who has taken on full-time responsibility for their schooling, medical care and daily routine under the terms of the custody arrangement. Hilton remains their legal parent, but is currently unable to resume those responsibilities from within the residential programme.

Longtime friend and Broadway producer Tom D'Angora organised a GoFundMe fundraiser to help Lavandeira cover the additional costs of caring for the children during this period. The campaign has been explicit that none of the donations will be directed to Hilton personally — all funds are intended solely to support his mother with the children's needs. The family's statement expressed deep gratitude for the generosity shown by those who have donated and sent well wishes, describing Lavandeira as "honestly overwhelmed" by the response.

A Sheriff's department patrol car with red and blue lights activated parked on a residential street at night, with houses and trees visible in the background.
Sheriff's deputies responded to Perez Hilton's Miami-area residence following a self-harm incident.

For now, Hilton's family has asked for continued patience and understanding, emphasising that every decision about his next steps is being made in close consultation with his medical team. The visits with his children appear to have brought real comfort — but those closest to him are determined not to let hope outpace the careful, considered work still ahead.

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, call or text 116 123 to reach the Samaritans (UK), available 24 hours a day.