TikTok has responded to criticism over its handling of a livestream in which celebrity blogger Perez Hilton filmed himself self-harming, saying the delay in removal was down to a moderator error rather than inaction. Hilton was hospitalised on Tuesday (4 August) after the stream prompted several viewers to call emergency services, with the Miami-Dade sheriff's office confirming he was safely transported for medical care. The incident has raised questions about content moderation speed on livestreaming platforms.

A TikTok spokesperson told FOX Business the stream was flagged within minutes, but a moderator error caused the takedown to be delayed; police were alerted immediately as the content breached community guidelines, and clips were removed within 90 seconds, with Hilton's account subsequently banned. Hilton's family issued a statement on his personal website on 5 August thanking well-wishers for their support and asking for privacy while he focuses on his recovery.