Published on: March 23, 2026, 11:42h.

Updated on: March 23, 2026, 12:03h.

• Famous gossip columnist Perez Hilton faced a life-threatening sepsis episode following a week of undiagnosed stomach issues.
• The use of flu medication on an empty stomach led to a perforated ulcer and significant internal infection.
• Hilton expresses gratitude towards the Southern Hills Hospital staff in Las Vegas for saving his life.

Perez Hilton spent three weeks in Las Vegas recovering from a severe case of sepsis that he initially struggled to survive. The well-known gossip blogger disclosed his medical ordeal in an Instagram update over the weekend, featuring a video of him using an oxygen mask. Another post depicted him in a hospital gown, showcasing incision marks on his abdomen.

Since moving from Los Angeles to Las Vegas in January 2023, Hilton created a buzz by withholding the details of his hospitalization until his 48th birthday, when he shared a YouTube video titled “My Mistake Led to 21 Days in the Hospital.”

In the video, Hilton stated, “I had the flu for about a week prior to my hospitalization. I took flu medications but neglected to use them with food, which is crucial.”

Hilton reflected on his carelessness which resulted in an ulcer that perforated and led to sepsis.

“The day before I went to the hospital, I experienced intense stomach pain but thought it would pass,” he recalls. “By the next morning, I could hardly move.”

He was swiftly transported to Southern Hills Hospital, where he praised the medical team’s efforts.

“I’m incredibly grateful for the treatment I received there. Each department was wonderful. The initial days were filled with pain and multiple tests, including X-rays and CT scans, as they struggled to locate the perforation.”

Five days into his stay, he underwent exploratory laparoscopic surgery to locate the perforation, where doctors also cleaned out significant infection within his body.

Post-surgery, medical professionals drained fluid accumulation around his lungs, followed by another extensive procedure to remove further infection.

Despite the efforts, sepsis continued to pose challenges.

“One night, the Rapid Response Team had to intervene as my heart rate escalated. They placed me on heart medication,” Hilton explained. “I also contracted a new infection during my time in the hospital.”

By the two-week mark, he had not consumed any food, prompting the medical staff to insert a feeding tube.

Spiritual Awakening

“One profound takeaway from this experience was feeling God’s presence,” Hilton shared. “It wasn’t just a sensation; it was a clear presentation of His presence to me.”

Reflecting on his upbringing as a gay Cuban Catholic in Miami during the ’80s, Hilton noted, “Although I was baptized and completed communion, I never truly believed until now.”