Editor's Note: If you or someone you know may be experiencing a mental health crisis, contact the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by dialing or texting “988.”
Celebrity blogger Perez Hilton voluntarily signed over temporary custody of his three children to his mother following a hospital stay because of being Baker Acted, according to reports.
Teresita Lavandeira filed in Miami-Dade County for custody of her three grandchildren, ages 13, 11 and 8, Page Six stated. Hilton “voluntarily consented” to the custody request.
“I realize that by signing this document, I am consenting to the Petitioner having temporary legal custody of the minor children and that such temporary custody is in the best interest of the children,” the documents stated.
The agreement
allows Lavandeira to “do all other things necessary for the care of the children,” including medical care and educational decisions. It also stated that her son “may, at any time, petition the court to return legal custody to me.”
“I understand and acknowledge that I may have to comply with a reasonable transition plan prior to the court returning legal custody to me,” according to the document.
What happened to Perez Hilton?
Hilton was hospitalized after the Miami-Dade Sheriff's Office received multiple calls Aug. 4 about a man livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media. The sheriff's office told USA TODAY that Hilton was safely recovered and transported to a local hospital, where he received medical attention.
Hilton’s family posted a statement on his website Aug. 8 stating he was hospitalized under Florida's Baker Act in serious but stable condition. The 48-year old experienced significant blood loss and sustained additional injuries that will require surgery in the coming days, according to the statement.
It went on to say his treatment and recovery process will be a long one.
Who is Perez Hilton?
Hilton, whose birth name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., rose to fame through his celebrity gossip website, which launched in 2004 and became known for its coverage of Hollywood celebrities. He’s been known to get into heated exchanges with celebrities.
In March, Perez spent several weeks in the hospital after developing an ulcer, perforation and sepsis. Months later he returned to his hometown of Miami.
Hilton detailed his decision to move back to Miami in a June 17 Instagram video, saying he was excited and that he knew it would be the right move for his family.
“I need to move to Miami for many reasons. First, this is heaven-sent. God told me to move to Miami. ... The Holy Spirit made these words come out of my mouth: ‘Let’s move to Miami,'" he said.
He added that “My entire family is in Miami. I still have friends from high school. Though I have not lived there in 30 years, it has always been my home. Once we move there, any second now, it will feel like home right away."
Contributing: Anthony Thompson, USA TODAY and Samantha Neely, USA TODAY NETWORK
Michelle Spitzer is a journalist for The USA TODAY NETWORK-FLORIDA. As the network’s Rapid Response reporter, she covers Florida’s breaking news. You can get all of Florida’s best content directly in your inbox each weekday day by signing up for the free newsletter, Florida TODAY, at https://floridatoday.com/newsletters.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Perez Hilton signs over custody of children after Baker Acted in Florida
