Jared Padalecki Issues Apology After Deleting Support for Hospitalized Perez Hilton Amid Public Backlash
Trigger warning: This article contains
mentions of suicide and self harm. Reader’s discretion is advised.
In a rapidly unfolding online drama, actor Jared Padalecki found
himself at the center of a social media storm this past week. Following the recent hospitalization of celebrity
gossip blogger Perez Hilton, Padalecki initially extended public well wishes. However, this act of
empathy swiftly drew heavy criticism from online communities, leading the ‘Supernatural’ star to delete his
posts and issue a comprehensive apology, citing his limited awareness of Hilton’s controversial past actions.
Jared Padalecki Apologizes for Showing Moral Support to Perez Hilton
The controversy began after Padalecki offered a message of support to Perez Hilton, who was recently hospitalized
following a mental health crisis. Netizens quickly inundated Padalecki with information regarding Hilton’s
extensive history of contentious reporting on celebrities’ private lives, including instances where he had
reportedly targeted Padalecki himself.
In a series of follow-up posts on X (formerly Twitter) after deleting his initial comment, Padalecki addressed
the backlash directly. “I didn’t know. It’s been brought to my attention. I’m sorry,” he wrote. He elaborated on
his thought process, stating, “I had heard of him. Obviously. I had heard that he hadn’t exactly ‘been kind’ to
me in the past. So, my thought is always to give grace and forgiveness to those who may have tried to ‘harm’
you… in my experience, it usually works out better than holding a grudge or wishing punishment on someone else.”
Padalecki candidly admitted his lack of full understanding regarding the gravity of Hilton’s past actions. He
assured his fans that he would be more vigilant in the future, concluding, “I simply thought he was a ‘tabloid’
type of sensationalist journalist. I DO NOT stand for, or support, ANY of the actions I just now found out that
he has committed. Full stop. I’m sorry if my words caused any harm. And I hope you ALL are well out there and
taking care of yourselves.”
What Was Jared Padalecki’s Initial Post About Perez Hilton?
Padalecki’s original, now-deleted social media comment to Perez Hilton was a heartfelt message drawing on his
own experiences with mental health. It encouraged Hilton to be kind to himself during his recovery. The full
text of the post read:
“Hey @PerezHilton. Just wanted to reach out and let you know that you’re in my thoughts. This ‘being human’ is a
strange thing. Exhilarating. Exhausting. Fast. Slow. Wonderful…. And… at times… awful. I hope you are trying as
best as you can to be kind to yourself right now. Please surround yourself with the love and support that all
humans deserve. This too shall pass. You got this.”
What Happened to Perez Hilton?
The catalyst for this unfolding situation was Perez Hilton’s recent hospitalization. Last week, during a live
stream on TikTok, the blogger was observed in a distressing state, appearing covered in blood with a knife in
his hand. Viewers, concerned for his safety, promptly contacted law enforcement. Authorities intervened, and
Hilton was subsequently transported to a local hospital.
He is currently admitted under Florida’s Baker Act, a law that allows for involuntary examination of individuals
who may be a danger to themselves or others. His communication is restricted to immediate family and medical
personnel. An official statement released on his website detailed his condition: “Perez’s condition remains
serious but stable. He experienced significant blood loss and sustained additional injuries that will require
surgery in the coming days. His treatment and recovery will be a long process. We are grateful that Perez was
able to spend time with his mother and sister yesterday.”
Perez Hilton, born Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., rose to prominence in the early 2000s as a controversial
tabloid journalist, blogger, and gossip columnist. He is widely recognized, and often criticized, for his
unfiltered reporting on celebrity rumors and extensive coverage of their personal lives.
DISCLAIMER: If you or someone you
know is struggling with suicidal thoughts, anxiety, depression, or mental illness, please seek professional help
immediately from a doctor, mental health expert, or NGO. Helplines are also available.
