Perez Hilton has revealed that he privately apologised to several of Hollywood's biggest stars, including Britney Spears and Khloé Kardashian, in the weeks before his recent hospitalisation. The celebrity blogger said he wanted to make amends for the hurt caused by his past reporting, describing the outreach as part of a personal effort to acknowledge mistakes made during the height of his controversial career.
The interview, recorded weeks before the incident and released on 6 August, has since taken on added significance following Hilton's hospitalisation. While there is no indication the two events were directly connected, his reflections on accountability, forgiveness and personal growth have attracted renewed attention as fans revisit his comments through the lens of recent developments.
Why Perez Hilton Decided To Reach Out
Speaking on Hang Out With Sean Hannity, Hilton, whose real name is Mario Lavandeira Jr., said he had contacted several celebrities privately in an attempt to apologise for his previous conduct.
'I've made amends, or tried to, with a lot of people,' he said.
Although he did not reveal exactly when every message was sent, Hilton explained that reaching out had become an important part of accepting responsibility for his past.
The 48-year-old rose to prominence in the mid-2000s through his celebrity gossip website, which became known for its provocative headlines, personal commentary and relentless coverage of Hollywood's biggest stars. While the site attracted millions of readers, it also drew criticism for crossing personal boundaries and fuelling invasive celebrity culture.
Britney Spears And Khloé Kardashian Were Among Those Contacted
Among the celebrities Hilton named was Britney Spears, whose personal struggles were heavily scrutinised by tabloids and entertainment websites during the late 2000s.
'I reached out to them privately. I mean, I even reached out to Britney Spears,' Hilton said.
He explained that his message was delivered through an intermediary but did not disclose whether Spears had responded personally. Hilton also revealed that Khloé Kardashian acknowledged his apology.
'I reached out to Khloé Kardashian, and she responded back,' he said. 'She was very kind.'
He accepted that not everyone he contacted would choose to reply.
'Some people don't respond back, and that's fine,' he added.
Although Hilton referred to apologising to 'a lot of people', he did not publicly identify everyone he had contacted.
Owning Up To A Controversial Past
During the interview, Hilton openly reflected on the style of reporting that made him famous.
His website frequently mocked celebrities' appearances, speculated about their personal relationships and, on occasion, discussed the sexuality of public figures before they had spoken themselves publicly.
Asked whether he still engages in those tactics today, Hilton gave a direct response.
'No,' he said. 'Because I realised what I was doing was wrong. I could still be fun, but I don't have to be so cheap, and I don't have to be so cruel.'
He described that chapter of his career as something he continues to carry with him.
'It's like my scarlet letter,' Hilton admitted. 'It's very heavy baggage.'
A Different View Of Celebrity Culture
Hilton also reflected on how his perspective has evolved over the years, saying he now believes accountability should involve learning and personal growth rather than public humiliation.
He credited entertainer Nick Cannon with introducing him to the idea of 'counsel culture' instead of 'cancel culture', explaining that the concept encouraged him to focus on making meaningful changes rather than defending past behaviour.
The blogger also revisited his previous treatment of actor Neil Patrick Harris, admitting that his efforts to investigate Harris' private life had been inappropriate.
According to Hilton, the pair later reconciled, with Harris even inviting him to contribute a short piece to his 2014 memoir Choose Your Own Autobiography. Hilton also recalled meeting Jennifer Aniston unexpectedly in a Los Angeles car park, saying the actress reminded him that celebrities should never be viewed solely as public figures.
'I'm a real person,' he remembered her telling him.
Public Reaction To His Apologies
Hilton's comments have prompted mixed reactions online. Some observers praised his willingness to acknowledge past mistakes and attempt to apologise directly to those affected, arguing that taking responsibility is an important step towards personal growth.
Others questioned whether the apologies came too late, noting that many of the celebrities involved endured years of intense public scrutiny during the height of tabloid culture. Hilton himself acknowledged that not everyone would accept or respond to his outreach, saying he respected those decisions.
Interview Gains New Attention After Hospitalisation
The interview was released shortly before Hilton was hospitalised following a serious personal incident at his Miami home.
Authorities confirmed he was transported safely to a local hospital, while a statement issued by his family said he was receiving medical care and was able to communicate.
'We're taking things one step at a time and keeping our focus where it belongs, on Perez and his recovery,' the statement said.
As attention remains focused on Hilton's recovery, his previously recorded interview has taken on new significance. His decision to privately apologise to Britney Spears, Khloé Kardashian and other public figures has become a central part of the conversation, highlighting themes of accountability, forgiveness and the lasting impact of one of celebrity media's most controversial eras.
