TikTok has stated that a “moderator error” was responsible for the delayed removal of a livestream featuring blogger Perez Hilton, known for his celebrity gossip blog launched in 2004. According to Jamie Favazza, TikTok’s US spokesperson, the platform notified law enforcement about the incident and subsequently banned Hilton’s account for violating community guidelines.
Disputes have emerged regarding the duration of the livestream. While some users claimed it remained live for over 30 minutes, Favazza countered that the stream lasted approximately 15 minutes. Favazza stated that TikTok’s automated systems identified the video within minutes and forwarded it to the company’s US-based moderation teams. The platform removed subsequent livestreams initiated by Hilton within 90 seconds. Despite removal efforts, screenshots and video clips from the broadcast continue to circulate on other social media platforms.
On Tuesday night, the livestream prompted multiple emergency calls to authorities. The Miami-Dade Sheriff’s Office received reports of an individual broadcasting self-harm content and responded to Hilton’s residence, transporting him to a local hospital. TikTok’s community guidelines explicitly prohibit content depicting, promoting, or instructing self-harm or suicide, as well as extremely graphic or disturbing material.
The incident has intensified scrutiny regarding content moderation practices on TikTok, with some creators reporting inconsistent enforcement of policies. The timing coincided with separate developments, as TikTok announced a reduction of 250 employees and the closure of its Nashville office, where part of its content moderation operations are located.
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