TikTok says moderator error delayed removal of Perez Hilton's livestream showing acts of self-harm - Fox Business

This story discusses suicide. If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 or 1-800-273-TALK (8255). TikTok said Wednesday that a moderator error delayed the removal of a livestream appearing to show celebrity blogger Perez Hilton engaging in self-harm. Law enforcement responded to Hilton's Miami home Tuesday evening after the livestream prompted multiple emergency calls. The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office confirmed that he had been "safely recovered and transported by Miami-Dade Fire Rescue to a local hospital, where he is receiving medical attention." A TikTok spokesperson told FOX Business the livestream was flagged within minutes, but a moderator error delayed its removal. EXPERT WARNS OF MASSIVE RECKONING FOR SOCIAL MEDIA COMPANIES: ‘GIANT CASE OF KARMA’ TikTok said it immediately alerted law enforcement and that the livestream violated the platform's Community Guidelines. Several subsequent livestreams were also removed within 90 seconds and Hilton's account was banned, according to TikTok. A source familiar with the situation told Fox News Digital that Hilton was placed under Florida's Baker Act for an involuntary psychiatric evaluation and "had wounds and cuts all over the place." Under Florida law, the Baker Act allows someone experiencing a mental health crisis to be transported to a designated receiving facility for an emergency psychiatric evaluation that generally lasts up to 72 hours. "He’s alive," the source added. "He has superficial cuts all over the body." TRUMP CABINET JOINS TIKTOK AFTER DOJ CLEARS PLATFORM FOR FEDERAL USE: 'MAJORITY-OWNED BY AMERICAN INVESTORS' Hilton's family and team released a statement regarding his hospitalization earlier Wednesday. "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. "We can confirm that Perez is receiving medical care, and our family’s focus right now is on his well-being. We kindly ask that you respect Perez’s privacy, as well as the privacy of his family, during this difficult time." "If and when we are able to share any updates, we will do so with everyone as soon as we can," the statement concluded. "Thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued support." MYSPACE SEEKING A REVIVAL AS ITS OWNERS PLAN COMEBACK EFFORT FOR ONCE-POPULAR SOCIAL MEDIA PLATFORM The Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office said its Crisis Response Unit and licensed mental health professionals responded to the scene to provide support and resources to Hilton's family. A sheriff's office spokesperson said deputies received multiple calls Tuesday evening regarding an individual "livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media." "Deputies quickly located the individual’s residence, where they spoke with family members on scene, and confirmed he was alone inside," the spokesperson said. "In many incidents involving a person experiencing a mental health crisis or actively harming themselves, deputies prioritize de-escalation by creating time, distance, and opportunities for communication," the statement continued. "Unless there is an immediate threat to others, slowing the situation and utilizing crisis intervention techniques can reduce the likelihood of a suicide-by-cop encounter and minimize the risk of injury to the individual, deputies, and the public." GET FOX BUSINESS ON THE GO BY CLICKING HERE Hilton, whose legal name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., rose to prominence after launching his celebrity gossip website in 2004 and later became one of the internet's best-known entertainment commentators. Fox News Digital's Christina Dugan Ramirez contributed to this report.