The recent crisis involving Perez Hilton sparked a wave of reactions online, with some commentators even calling it "karma" for his past actions. Now, one of the famous blogger's friends, Ben Russo, has spoken out and shared his opinion of the blogger.
While acknowledging Hilton made mistakes, Russo says he takes responsibility for them and talks about the person he has become behind his public persona.
A friend of Perez Hilton admitted to participating in the online discussion.
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Perez Hilton's suicide attempt on August 4 has sparked mixed reactions online, with many expressing concern and sympathy, while others have called the incident "karma" for the actions he took at the height of his popularity.
Hilton rose to fame in the mid-2000s after launching his provocative celebrity gossip blog, where he became known for mercilessly mocking stars, drawing graphic doodles on their photos, mocking them at their worst moments, and even outing some closeted celebrities.
Amid Hilton's crisis, one of his closest friends, Ben Russo, came forward. In an essay for Page Six Russo said Hilton changed after becoming a father and took responsibility for his past actions.
«"Nobody is being judged today simply for someone remembered from a website from twenty years ago. None of us can rewrite the past, but I believe we must give people the opportunity to become something greater than what they may have done," Russo wrote.
The famous blogger made changes to his life in 2010.
Russo, who served as Hilton's press secretary for ten years, noted that he observed the blogger's career from the front lines and witnessed his rise to fame, the mistakes he made, and the guilt he subsequently felt. He acknowledged that Hilton "played a significant role" in the Hollywood machine that generated toxic celebrity gossip, but he reminded that his friend wasn't the only one.
«"Perez acknowledged the harm he caused. In 2010, he reversed course, risked the platform he had built, and publicly pledged to make amends," Russo wrote, adding that Hilton accepted responsibility.
In 2010, Hilton expressed support for anti-bullying campaigns, which drew backlash. Many called him a hypocrite for his actions, which included "bullying" celebrities on his blog. He appeared on "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and promised to revise his blog and stop mocking celebrities.
In an interview with the magazine Out In 2010, he said, "I need to take steps to do things differently. I can't be what I criticize in others. I can't be what I judge.".
Ben Russo doesn't think the Perez Hilton episode should be celebrated.
Russo also wrote that he's not asking people to forgive the blogger. However, he believes that Hilton's suffering shouldn't be glorified either.
«"Whatever you think of Perez Hilton, what happened last week wasn't karma. It was a mental health crisis. And no suicide attempt should be perceived as justice," he wrote, calling for compassion.
Russo also said Hilton endured years of public condemnation, which at times left him "feeling unworthy of life.".
«"Compassion doesn't require us to forget someone's past. It simply requires us to remember that there's still a person behind it," he noted.
Celebrities express sympathy for Perez Hilton
Amid online speculation about Hilton's past, several celebrities have come forward to wish the blogger a speedy recovery, despite the hurt he has caused them in the past.
As previously reported The Blast edition , Ireland Baldwin, who claimed Hilton made "inexcusable comments" about her and her family, expressed hope that the blogger would recover, adding that his three children needed a "healthy father.".
"America's Next Top Model" winner Adrianne Curry, whom Hilton had previously criticized, also expressed sympathy for the blogger, calling him "never" her friend. "I forgive you, I don't think you should hurt yourself, and I hope you get better, damn it," she said.
Michael Jackson's nephew, TJ Jackson, wrote on his blog that he is praying for Hilton, despite the blogger's hurtful comments about his family in the past.
Perez Hilton remains in the hospital.
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Hilton remains hospitalized for more than 10 days following his suicide attempt. His sister, Barbara, said the family doesn't know when her brother will be discharged, but noted that he faces a long road to physical and mental recovery, according to the publication. The Blast .
Barbara also said Hilton had been feeling depressed for several weeks before the recent incident and voluntarily sought help. He was later discharged from the hospital and appeared to be improving before the incident.
Meanwhile, his three children are in the care of his mother while he recovers from his illness, which the source said could take months or years.
A friend of Perez Hilton's has spoken out against comments about "karma" amid the ongoing crisis in the blogging community. (Originally published on The Blast)