Why Michael Jackson’s Nephew Is Defending Perez Hilton Despite Their Painful History

Saturday, August 8, 2026 at 3:40 PM

TJ Jackson is refusing to celebrate Perez Hilton’s hospitalization despite the gossip blogger’s painful history with his famous family. The Why Michael Jackson’s Nephew Is Defending Perez Hilton Despite Their Painful History first appeared on The Blast

TJ Jackson is refusing to celebrate Perez Hilton’s hospitalization despite the gossip blogger’s painful history with his famous family. The son of Tito Jackson and nephew of the late Michael Jackson revealed that he is praying for Hilton after the blogger was hospitalized following a severe mental health crisis. Although some social media users argued that Hilton’s past behavior made him undeserving of sympathy, Jackson insisted that he was not raised to find pleasure in another person’s suffering.

TJ Jackson Says Perez Hilton Was ‘Not Nice’ To His Family

Perez Hilton Hospitalized After Self Harm LiveStream
ZUMAPRESS.com / MEGA

Jackson first addressed the situation on X after seeing widespread discussion about a disturbing livestream involving Hilton. The singer explained that he had no interest in viewing footage from the incident but acknowledged what he had heard about it.

“Everybody is talking about this Perez Hilton video. I haven’t seen it but from what I’ve heard it’s horrible,” Jackson wrote. “One thing I’ll say…He hasn’t been nice to many celebs, including my family.”

Despite Hilton’s previous treatment of the Jacksons, TJ said he still wanted him to recover. “Nevertheless, I never want to see anyone broken and in such a dark place. I am praying for his healing and his health,” the performer added.

Responses were divided between those who praised Jackson’s compassion and others who believed Hilton’s history of attacking celebrities made him unworthy of grace. When one person said they hoped never to see the video and wanted Hilton to be safe, Jackson responded that he agreed “100%.”

“And hopefully one day he will find his way and inspire others who make a living negative talking/slandering others to choose a different route and be better themselves, to lean into LOVE more,” he wrote. “That’s the way to really live life to the fullest.”

Michael Jackson’s Nephew Rejects ‘Revenge’ And ‘Karma’

After receiving continued pushback, Jackson returned to X on Thursday to explain why he would not change his position. “I’ve gotten so many comments disagreeing with my last posts on Perez Hilton that it’s actually sad to me,” he wrote.

Jackson acknowledged that Hilton had hurt numerous people, including members of his own family. However, he said his upbringing prevented him from wishing additional pain on the blogger. “Again, I know he was absolutely awful to so many (including my family), but I just wasn’t raised or taught to want worse for people. It’s just not the way,” Jackson declared. “There is no beauty in ‘revenge’ or joy in ‘karma.’”

“If you disagree, I believe you are playing the wrong game in life or at least living by the wrong set of rules… A healthy ego doesn’t need to feel justified,” he added.

Jackson also urged the public to respect Hilton’s privacy while his family navigates the crisis. “I believe he (yes, even he) deserves privacy and will pray for his healing and strength for his kids and family during this painful time and hope you all do too,” he concluded.

TJ Jackson Turns To Martin Luther King Jr.’s Message Of Love

After another user applauded his decision to pray for Hilton, Jackson shared a quotation from Martin Luther King Jr. that has continued to influence him. “One of my favorite MLK quotes is ‘I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.’ And not saying it’s always been easy, but as I get older it’s clear to me… it’s the only way,” Jackson said.

His reaction carried particular weight because of Hilton’s conduct surrounding Michael Jackson’s death in June 2009. Before the King of Pop’s death was confirmed, Hilton falsely suggested that reports of the singer suffering cardiac arrest were merely part of a publicity stunt intended to promote his “This Is It” concerts in London. “Get your money back, ticket holders!!!!” Hilton wrote while alleging that the health emergency was a hoax.

The blogger also claimed that “[Jackson] pulled a similar stunt when he was getting ready for his big HBO special in ’95 when he ‘collapsed’ at rehearsal!”

Once Michael’s death was confirmed, Hilton removed the post and replaced it with a link to reporting about the tragedy. Despite that painful history, TJ made clear that he does not view Hilton’s current crisis as an opportunity for revenge.

Perez Hilton Was Hospitalized Following A Mental Health Crisis

Perez Hilton at the 33rd Annual GLAAD Media Awards
Janet Gough / AFF-USA.COM / MEGA

Hilton, whose real name is Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr., was transported to a hospital Tuesday after concerned viewers contacted authorities about his TikTok livestream. Police responded to his Miami-area home and attempted to communicate with him before bringing the incident to a close.

“Mario, it’s the Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office, please step out of the house,” a deputy was heard saying in surveillance footage captured by a neighbor’s doorbell camera.

The livestream was eventually removed, and TikTok reportedly banned Hilton’s account. The platform subsequently faced criticism over how long the footage remained available.

Hilton was surrounded by loved ones at the hospital Wednesday, including his sister, Barbara Lavandeira.

Perez Hilton’s Family Asks For Privacy

Perez Hilton attends SOL Mexican Cocina's Las Vegas Grand Opening at the Forum Shops at Caesars Palace
MBS/MEGA

His three children, niece and sister had reportedly been at his home shortly before the crisis began. According to a statement shared through Hilton’s website, the family “immediately fled” to prevent the children from “witnessing any further trauma.”

Hilton’s family later addressed the effect the incident had on his children and asked the public to stay away from their home. “Our family cannot express enough our continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time,” the statement began. “The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family.”

The family explained that helping Hilton’s children recover was its immediate priority. “Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy.”

“For the children’s safety, privacy, and well-being, we respectfully ask members of the media, paparazzi, content creators, and the public to leave the area surrounding the family’s home and not return. Please allow his children the privacy and space they need during this unimaginably difficult time.”

The Why Michael Jackson’s Nephew Is Defending Perez Hilton Despite Their Painful History first appeared on The Blast

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