Mario Lavandeira Jr.'s Sister Breaks Silence on His Suicide Attempt: "I Didn't Recognize My Brother"

In a heart-wrenching interview with Page Six, Maria Lavandeira, the sister of notorious gossip blogger Perez Hilton, has shared her firsthand account of his harrowing suicide attempt that sent shockwaves through the entertainment world. August 4th, a day seared into the memories of the Lavandeira family forever, was the day Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., better known as Perez Hilton, streamed acts of self-harm on TikTok before being rushed to a nearby hospital for life-saving treatment.

"That afternoon, Mario was in his bedroom with the door closed and locked – something completely out of character for him," Maria shared with Page Six exclusively over the phone. "His door was almost always open." Concerned when he stopped responding to her attempts to check in, Maria unlocked his bedroom door to find him standing naked in the bathroom, covered in blood and holding a box cutter.

"The moment I opened the door, my worst nightmare became reality," Maria bravely revealed. "I saw my brother, but it wasn't him. His eyes weren't the same, and there was something terrifying in his smile." In a desperate attempt to protect her children – Mario, 13, Mia, 11, and Mayte, 8 – Maria led them out of the house and called 911. She then spoke with the crisis team that arrived before placing towels over Mario to help stop the bleeding.

Maria's decision to speak publicly about the incident is rooted in her desire to offer clarity amidst the swirling rumors and misconceptions about her brother's character. "I've been a private person all my life, but I felt compelled to share what I witnessed because I am the only one who saw everything," Maria explained. "There have been so many false reports and made-up quotes circulating, and I want people to hear the truth." Maria acknowledged the pain caused by Perez Hilton's past actions but pleaded for compassion as her family navigates this challenging time.

"I understand that some people might not like Mario or even hate him," she said. "But he has changed drastically over the past 20 years and has genuinely tried to become a better person." Maria also addressed the rumors linking his recent battle with sepsis to his mental health crisis, citing his hospitalization due to flu medication, blood clots, and financial struggles as additional stressors.

Amidst this difficult time, Maria expressed gratitude for Perez Hilton's loving fans who have supported him throughout his career and during his recent struggle. "On behalf of our family, we want to thank every kind message, prayer, and expression of genuine concern," she said. "The support has meant more than words can express." For further updates about Perez Hilton from his family, please visit perezhilton.com.

If you or someone you know is in crisis, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, confidential support at 988. Remember, help is always available when you need it most.