Perez Hilton's podcast co-host has spoken for the first time about the blogger's "unimaginable" mental health crisis.

The 48-year-old celebrity reporter was taken to hospital earlier this week following reports of concerning activity during a livestream, and Chris Booker - who has co-hosted The Perez Hilton Podcast since 2015 - has now opened up about the shocking situation.

He said in a statement on Instagram: "I am so profoundly sad for Perez and his family and what they're all going through. It's truly unimaginable.

"I have spoken only briefly with the family. I read the statement that his team released and want to honour their wishes at this impossible time.

"Even the family is struggling to get updates due to the confidential security measures in place at the hospital because of how many people are trying to get information."

Booker also issued an update on the status of their podcast, adding: "I certainly hope to continue them with my friend when the time is appropriate."

He concluded: "He is very loved. I can only hope that he feels it. Heal up, friend."

Booker's statement comes after Perez's family issued an update, writing: "Our family cannot express enough our continued gratitude for the overwhelming outpouring of love, support, and prayers we have received during this incredibly difficult time. "The events of the past several days have been nearly unbearable for our family.

"Just minutes before the public livestream incident, Perez's children, niece, and sister were inside the home. When it became clear that Perez was experiencing a severe mental health crisis and harming himself, they immediately fled to protect the children from witnessing any further trauma.

"Our highest priority right now is helping the children begin to heal from what they experienced. An important part of that process is allowing them to safely return home and begin rebuilding a sense of security and normalcy."

The family thanked fans for their "compassion, understanding, and continued prayers". The statement continued: "We will continue to provide updates on Perez's condition through PerezHilton.com when we have additional information we are able to share.

"Again, thank you for your compassion, understanding, and continued prayers."