TikTok cites ‘moderator error’ for delayed action during Perez Hilton’s livestream.

TikTok has acknowledged a “moderator error” that led to a delay in removing a livestream featuring blogger Perez Hilton engaging in self-harm. A spokesperson for TikTok US stated that the platform alerted law enforcement about the incident and subsequently banned Hilton’s account for breaching community guidelines.

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., gained fame through his celebrity gossip blog launched in 2004, where he often combined images of celebrities with his own provocative and sometimes harsh illustrations.

While some users reported that Hilton’s livestream lasted over 30 minutes, the spokesperson clarified that it was approximately 15 minutes long. The automated content moderation system flagged the video “within minutes” and escalated it to US moderation teams. TikTok also removed subsequent livestreams initiated by Hilton within 90 seconds. Clips and screenshots from the original livestream continue to circulate on various platforms.

The livestream took place on Tuesday night, prompting a response from the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office after they received “multiple calls regarding an individual who was livestreaming acts of self-harm on social media.” Authorities transported Hilton to a local hospital for evaluation.

The delayed response to the livestream has sparked discussions about TikTok’s moderation practices, which some creators feel are inconsistently enforced. TikTok’s guidelines explicitly ban content that “shows, promotes, or provides instructions for suicide or self-harm,” as well as “extremely graphic, violent, or disturbing content.” Additionally, reports indicate that TikTok US is laying off 250 employees and closing its Nashville office, which houses part of its content moderation team.

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If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is anxious, depressed, upset, or needs to talk, there are people who want to help.
In the US:
Crisis Text Line: Text HOME to 741-741 from anywhere in the US, at any time, about any type of crisis.
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline: Call or text 988 (formerly known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline). The original phone number, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is available as well.
The Trevor Project: Text START to 678-678 or call 1-866-488-7386 at any time to speak to a trained counselor.
Outside the US:
The International Association for Suicide Prevention lists a number of suicide hotlines by country. Click here to find them.
Befrienders Worldwide has a network of crisis helplines active in 48 countries. Click here to find them.
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