Actor Jared Padalecki is offering a detailed explanation to fans after a well-meaning social media message resulted in an unexpected public backlash.
The 44-year-old Supernatural alum initially reached out to gossip blogger Perez Hilton following disturbing news that Hilton had been hospitalized over the weekend. Law enforcement officers responded to Hilton’s residence after he appeared to be in distress during a live broadcast on TikTok, subsequently transporting him to a local medical facility.
Attempting to offer words of comfort during a mental health crisis, Padalecki originally posted a supportive message directly to Hilton:
“Hey @PerezHilton. Just wanted to reach out and let you know that you’re in my thoughts. This ‘being human’ is a strange thing. Exhilarating. Exhausting. Fast. Slow. Wonderful… and… at times… awful.”
He continued:
“I hope you are trying as best as you can to be kind to yourself right now. Please surround yourself with the love and support that all humans deserve. This too shall pass. You got this.”
After fans swiftly flooded his replies to inform him of Hilton’s long, controversial history of harsh personal attacks against celebrities, Padalecki immediately deleted the original post and shared a brief follow-up on Sunday, August 9:
“I didn’t know. It’s been brought to my attention. I’m sorry.”
Recognizing that the brief statement required deeper context, the actor later posted a comprehensive statement taking full accountability for his lack of awareness:
“To give more detail re: my post wishing someone well… I had ABSOLUTELY NO IDEA about his past. I had heard of him. Obviously. I had heard that he hadn’t exactly “been kind” to me in the past. So, my thought is always to give grace and forgiveness to those who may have tried to “harm” you… in my experience, it usually works out better than holding a grudge or wishing punishment on someone else.”
“That having been said, I TRULY didn’t know ANYTHING about the extent to what he has done. That’s my bad. On my life, I have never in my life, not once, looked him up or gone to one of his sites. I simply thought he was a “tabloid” type of sensationalist journalist. I DO NOT stand for, or support, ANY of the actions I just now found out that he has committed. Full stop. I’m sorry if my words caused any harm. And, I hope you ALL are well out there, and taking care of yourselves.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health or emotional distress, help is available. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline, available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or text HOME to 741741 to connect with the Crisis Text Line.
