TikTok cites moderator error in delayed removal of Perez Hilton stream

TikTok spokesperson Jamie Favazza attributed the delayed removal of the footage to a technical oversight by a moderator. While some users alleged the stream persisted for over 30 minutes, the company maintains the broadcast lasted approximately 15 minutes before intervention. Favazza stated that automated systems flagged the content within minutes, routing it to US-based teams, though the delay in final removal has reignited scrutiny regarding the platform's inconsistent enforcement of safety policies.

Following the incident, TikTok permanently banned Hilton’s account for violating community guidelines, which strictly prohibit content depicting self-harm or violence. The company also confirmed that subsequent streams attempted by the user were removed within 90 seconds. The incident coincides with broader organizational shifts at the company, including the reported layoff of 250 employees and the closure of its Nashville office, a facility that previously housed part of its moderation staff. Despite the removal, clips of the stream remain accessible on other platforms such as X.