Perez Hilton is stepping into a new chapter. The once-controversial celebrity blogger has publicly apologized for his past behavior in a candid nine-minute video shared across his social platforms, marking what appears to be a major personal reset.
The emotional message arrived shortly after Hilton revealed a serious health scare that left him hospitalized for 21 days with sepsis and infections. During that life-threatening experience, he said he had a spiritual awakening, sharing that “God presented himself” to him — a moment he now credits as transformative.
© Getty ImagesA Public Reckoning Years in the Making
Hilton didn’t hold back when reflecting on his past. His career, built on sharp-tongued celebrity commentary and often harsh criticism, made him one of the most talked-about figures in early internet culture. Now, he’s confronting that legacy head-on. “I made a lot of mistakes in my past. We all have. Nobody's perfect,” Hilton said in the video. “But my mistakes are very public. The internet is forever. Receipts are forever. I carry with me deep shame and regret. I'm sorry, I will continue to apologize. I have also reached out to make amends. I have apologized publicly and privately to dozens of people.”
One of the most striking parts of Hilton’s message is how he describes the emotional consequences of his past actions. “Because I was so selfish, because I didn't care who I hurt, I just cared about the views, the attention, the money — people hated me,” he admitted. “Some people enjoyed it, but it felt like most people hated me. And last week, since I've been home, I haven't been getting as much hate, and I've been getting love and prayers.”
Faith, Forgiveness, and Moving Forward
Hilton also spoke about forgiveness — both divine and personal — as a key part of his healing process. “I've made a lot of mistakes in my past, but I know that God loves me,” he said. “God has forgiven me, and almost more importantly, I have forgiven myself.”
© Getty ImagesStill, he acknowledges that not everyone is ready to move on. “I know there still are people out there who wanna see me suffer and wanna see me pay for the mistakes and the bad decisions and the hurt that I caused in the past,” he said. “‘Karma.’ And they're entitled to that opinion. It is valid. It is valid. I earned those thoughts, but I forgive myself.”
Redefining Celebrity Journalism
Despite the apology, Hilton remains firm about his career path — though he insists it has evolved. “I don't do gossip. I do celebrity journalism,” he said. “And I have to provide for my family. I have three young children, and my mother that I also support, and my sister, who works for me. I'm doing my best.”
© Getty Images for Buddy ValastroHis recent hospitalization seems to have accelerated that transformation. Facing a serious illness often forces a reevaluation of priorities, and Hilton’s message reflects that clarity. “My heart is filled with gratitude and love and repentance,” he said. “I'm sorry. I forgive myself. I forgive you. If you want bad things to happen to me, then I send you love. I send you all love.”
Whether audiences fully embrace this new version of Perez Hilton remains to be seen.
