Amid backlash for supporting Perez Hilton in his mental health crisis, Jared Padalecki replied with just three words. The “Supernatural” actor drew criticism online after showing solidarity with the media personality. Padalecki has since clarified his intentions, explaining that the message was about empathy and concern for well-being.
Jared Padalecki reacts after fans call him out for his Perez Hilton post
Jared Padalecki is distancing himself from controversial gossip blogger Perez Hilton. According to Entertainment Weekly, the Walker actor reached out to Hilton over the weekend. The outreach came after Hilton was hospitalized on Tuesday, August 4, following an incident on a TikTok livestream where he appeared to injure himself.
Padalecki has spoken candidly in the past about his own mental health challenges, and he leaned on that experience while offering words of encouragement to Hilton on social media.
Padalecki took to X on Saturday, August 8, to write, “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. 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,” concluded the 44-year-old.
However, Jared Padalecki pulled the post on Sunday once commenters informed him about Hilton’s history as a tabloid personality, including prior coverage of the actor’s own life. “I didn’t know,” he shared on X. “It’s been brought to my attention. I’m sorry.”
The “Gilmore Girls” star clarified his stance in another post 30 minutes later. He said that he had “absolutely no idea” about the 48-year-old celebrity commentator’s reputation when he wrote the first message.
The reaction from fans was largely supportive, with one writing, “You had empathy for another human being. This used to be a good quality.” Another echoed, “Nothing wrong with having empathy for another human being. I wouldn’t wish what happened on my worst enemy.” “Don’t ever apologize for being a good person Jared! Love you!” read a supportive comment.
