TMI: My Life in Scandal

by Pérez Hilton (Narrator), Leif Eriksson (Contributor), Martin Svenson (Contributor)

'TMI' is the story of how Mario Lavandeira became Perez Hilton, a celebrity blogger with millions of readers around the globe who was sometimes called the Most Hated Man in Hollywood. Growing up in Miami’s Little Havana in the 1980s, Perez was bullied at school because of his weight and his sexual orientation, so he devoted all his free time to eating and watching TV in his bedroom. A scholarship to NYU was a lifesaver, as Perez felt at home in New York. But his finances took a battering, and he moved on to L.A. After being fired from three different jobs within the space of ten months, Perez suddenly hit it big in 2005 with his gossip blog. With Perez’s help, many promising young artists reached the masses - Katy Perry, Adele, Amy Winehouse, and Lady Gaga, to name just a few. Perez soon became a Hollywood insider, but during his dramatic fallout with Lady Gaga he realized that he had been used. Perez’s blog became increasingly mean - “It went from bitchy to nasty,” he recalls.

But a turning point came when Perez uploaded a video for the It Gets Better campaign and was surprised by the backlash it received. People called him a bully and a hypocrite because he previously outed gay celebrities on his blog. Perez was forced to reevaluate not only his alter ego, but also himself as a person. Following the birth of his son, he was also faced with a number of new opportunities for growth and personal reflection. 'TMI' reveals the man behind the blog in a new, revealing, and still juicy memoir.

Genres: Memoir, Nonfiction, Audiobook, Biography, Autobiography, LGBT, Adult

Audible Audio

First published October 6, 2020

About the author

Mario Armando Lavandeira Jr. is an American blogger and television personality. His blog is Perezhilton.com (formerly PageSixSixSix.com), which he writes under the pseudonym Pérez Hilton. On his website Lavandeira posts gossip items about musicians, actors and celebrities. His posts are delivered with an irreverent and sometimes cruel slant. He often posts tabloid photographs over which he has added his own captions or "doodles." His blog has garnered both positive and negative attention for its brash attitude, its active "outing" of closeted homosexual celebrities and for its role in the increasing coverage of celebrities in all forms of media.

Reviews

[Mediaman · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a mistitled, poorly written book that is merely attempt at an image renovation. Not only is there NOT "Too Much Information" in it, but there's almost no stories in it beyond a couple behind the scenes encounters with Lady Gaga and Madonna. Fake-named Perez Hilton (really Mario) shares none of the specifics of the hundreds of interesting life encounters that he claims to have had, nor details about his many lawsuits or insights into how he got his biggest scoops, and instead gives us the Cliff Notes version of what he claims to be a dull life.

So the title is totally wrong. The cover art is disgusting and unattractive. The copyright page says 2021 but I read it the second week of October in 2020. He and two co-writers didn't put together any actual stories and the few that they start are left without details or ending. His attempts at sympathy for his tough childhood (which didn't sound so bad) fail to elicit emotion. He complains about being bullied and yet he is the ultimate bully, hiding behind a fake persona. And he appears to have no talent whatsoever beyond being a snarky queen who offends even the gay community that wants nothing to do with him.

I can't figure out how he is still relevant or living a rich lifestyle. The undereducated guy filed for bankruptcy in his mid-20s, has few in Hollywood that will have anything to do with him, and even though he claims to have changed his ways still runs a gossipy website. He says he wants to be an actor or TV star, but he has been horrible in anything he has ever appeared on.

The only two parts of the book that have any detail are about his being on Big Brother in England and I'm a Celebrity in Australia--so he loves the camera to be on him 24/7 but neither of those are things American audiences saw. Why waste our time hearing about him complaining that he didn't get enough food or sleep? Gives us the details about the wild parties, the drugs, the lawsuits, and the angry celebrities instead!

Near the end of the book he suddenly claims to change his ways. The only thing I'll give him credit for is that he is good to family, taking care of his mom and sister and having three children through a surrogate. He complains about his sex life (there are no details here about it--ironic since he exposed everyone else's private lives), saying that he has gone years without bedding anyone. And he says he is sorry for many of the things he posted or said about celebrities, but there's no evidence here of real contrition.

For a guy who claims to be a writer he fails to be able to put together a complete book, even with two others helping him. At least 40 of the 230 pages are pictures, blank, or title pages. Published in double-spaced type the book content is so thin that it's unclear why an editor didn't push Hilton to put in full, complete stories. Instead we get the quicky social media version of his life that just skims the surface of any scandal and is a complete misfire as an attempt at image remake. No matter how you look at Perez Hilton, the real life Mario appears to be a talentless loser.

[MissBecka Gee · Rating 1 out of 5]

I didn't really enjoy this.
It was very "structured" to make him look like a victim at every turn.
I used to follow his blog, he was vicious.
It was a bit annoying how he would say he had changed, and he was sorry for how vicious he had been in the past...and then cut down another celebrity in the very next chapter.
It felt like he just threw some stuff together in order to get paid.
No real story or flow to it.

[Danielle · Rating 1 out of 5]

Meh. It was free on audible so I figured why not, but it was boring.

[Shanna Jones · Rating 2 out of 5]

Perez comes across as slightly entitled and out of touch. Portrays himself as a victim which was very unexpected.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

Finished in one sitting. I would like to thank Edelweiss and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review. I was excited to see this book on Edelweiss as I have been wanting to read it since he first announced it. I have always followed Perez since the beginning and this was a nice recap of the last decade and his early life growing up and how he started his family.

[Anastasia Rozance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Honestly I could have finished this book in one day. It’s an easy, enjoyable read if you love Perez and celebrity gossip. I loved it. I found Perez to be quite endearing and appreciated that he acknowledged several times in his career when he has hurt others or made mistakes. The book was well organized and flowed well. For some reason I am gravitating toward memoirs in 2020...probably studying other people’s life experiences is comforting during this pandemic. Perez, I hope you follow up this memoir with a book about your parenting journey or a second memoir. You have truly grown into an inspiration!

[Lucy Herrera · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it. I love Perez. I loved the pop culture journey he took me on. Every chapter reflects on a pivotal year in his career and life while also reflecting in celebrity moments. Fun and inspirational read!

[Melinda Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a nice look at a certain point in time when Perez was like a rash - he was everywhere. I have to say that my interest in what he reported on waned in the early 00's. But it was nice to see a softer side of the scourge of celebs.

i only wish it was a bit longer !

[Caz Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Perez! Love him or hate him you know what you are getting and I enjoy him

[Alexandra Blockus · Rating 1 out of 5]

It’s really a 0 and one of the worst books I’ve read.

[Kofi N · Rating 3 out of 5]

A bit of an eye roll but did enjoy the celebrity gossips. At the end of the day, it’s Perez Hilton, bitch!

[Valeri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I read this book out of morbid curiosity about Perez Hilton. Not sure if he was trying to get sympathy about his life by writing this but at every turn he decided to take no responsibility for the mean things that he did but he was sad by the mean things people did to him. Really not sure why I decided to read this one.

[Johnny · Rating 1 out of 5]

boring. worst book ever <3, srry,

[Sophie [at] Book Suburbia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Before TMZ, there was Perez Hilton.
Before Just Jared, there was Perez Hilton. Before Buzzfeed there was Perez Hilton.
Dude, even before YOUTUBE, TWITTER, FACEBOOK and INSTAGRAM, there was Perez Hilton.

At this point in time, I don't think there is ONE person above the age of 18 who doesn't know who he is, BUT, I might be wrong. Some people still live under a rock 🤣

And some people, till this day, dislike (and I dare say hate, but that's such an awful word) him. They remember the Perez of 2007 who trashed Britney or the 2009 BFF of Lady Gaga when she was basically unknown. But what I remember of the early PerezHilton.com days was getting 1/2 hour early to school after work so I could find a computer at the Law School library and while everybody else was reading about penal codes, I was basking in all the celebrity gossip Perez Hilton posted about. The site was different back then, and many people at least back home in Central America still didn't know him well, but I had friends at work who cracked the firewall software just to access his site (LEGIT).

After reading TMI: My Life in Scandal, I now see (and TBH have seen for a few years now), the rebirth of a man who didn't have the life many think he did. Who suffered a tremendous loss at an age where you need to have that guidance most. Somebody who did the effort, went to college but as many, couldn't squeeze the life out of that degree, cause guess what? REAL LIFE IS A B%#tC=, and many times even the most prepared people need to find their purpose. And found it HE DID! Thanks to him, many people learned about what being a blogger meant, including myself. And I did try. Lord knows writing is my greatest outlet, but not everybody has that spark and that spunk and certainly not that business driven mind behind it like Perez does.

Now, many years later, he brings us a very personal and powerful testament of his way of living and seeing the things he's seen. He makes sure we know he's just as human as anybody else and he admits to the things that years later he regrets, and things he’s absolutely proud of.

And if you still doubt the content of this book, DON’T. This is a VERY EASY read. This book was a breeze just like any of his celebrity news are. Sounds cheesy AF, but, he does write with heart, from the heart ❤️, his truth. The only one that should matter.

In my eyes, and until the day he decides to retire, he is for all intents and purposes, the one and only OG celebrity blogger ⭐️

[Janine · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a quick read, which is the only reason I bothered to finish reading it at all. I knew by the end of the first chapter what I was getting into.

My biggest issue with this is the fact that Hilton is so notorious for the career he's made out of celebrity scandal and blogging, that this watered-down version of his career and reformation just doesn't do his story justice. It's like a Cliff's Notes version of what really must have gone down, and there are some pretty gaping holes and incredibly glossed-over stories, which is frustrating.

Hilton takes responsibility for the choices he's made that have landed him in hot water, and at the same time deflects full responsibility for those choices. He mentions no less than 3 celeb BFFs that he had a huge falling out with, placing the majority of the blame on them, and how they tossed him aside once they found huge fame. He admits that those relationships were largely mutually beneficial to both parties, but there's just so much unsaid.

Here's the thing - I like Perez Hilton. And I appreciate that he's worked so hard to reform his image and make up for some of his more questionable behavior in the past. I just don't think this book did his story justice. If you're going to tell the story - TELL IT. Otherwise, just don't even bother.

[Stefanie Robinson · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book was included in the Audible Plus catalouge for free, otherwise I would not have selected this book. Perez Hilton was always on television or radio in the early 2000s. I remember him being on MTV a lot. I never did care for him, as he was utterly vicious and disparaging. He was the gross TMZ reporter before TMZ was a thing. I cannot sit here and say I do not enjoy a celebrity anecdote or have never gotten wrapped up in celebrity gossip, but I cannot understand attacking people constantly. This book was exceptionally boring. Perez Hilton seems to want to portray himself as a redeemed villain who is now a super nice person, but it doesn't come off as very genuine to me. This book was only about three hours long, which was probably the only reason I forced myself to finish it. This is probably the least liked book I have read so far this year. I think I have said that on another review for something I read this year, but I was wrong when I said that. This takes the cake. I do not suggest wasting your three hours to listen to this.

[Mary Sisney · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy celebrity gossip, so some of Hilton’s tales were interesting. My favorite sections of the book were the pictures and the lists of “scandals” at the beginning of each section. Unfortunately, Hilton and his co-writers didn’t label the pictures, so I didn’t know if that one woman standing with him while making a weird face was Katy Perry or just an unknown friend or family member. There were two primary problems with the book—Hilton’s whiny “I’m a victim” personality and his failure to develop some of the more interesting stories. I realize that he’s a blogger, but too many of his chapters were shorter than my blogs. He needed to describe his relationships with Paris Hilton, the woman whose name he “borrowed,” Kim Kardashian, and especially Amanda Bynes in more detail. The discussion of his personal life also needs development. If his mother and sister were such jerks when he was a child, why did he hire them to work for him and live with or near them when he became successful? Why did a man who was mean to other celebrities’ children want to have three children? His having the children is especially disturbing because of his personality. He blames Lady Gaga for the end of their friendship, accusing her of using him. Yet he admits to having been petty and spiteful toward other celebrities like the very young Ariana Grande. He’s willing to humiliate other people weaker than he is (like a man on the Howard Stern show) and to be humiliated, being walked like a dog by two different female celebrities. He’s cowardly and insecure, which is probably why he brags (unless he’s being sarcastic) about being awesome and an icon. He even suggests that he’s outlasted all of his peers. He may have outlasted the other internet gossipers, but he refers to magazines and television shows. If he means PEOPLE MAGAZINE, NATIONAL ENQUIRER, and other tabloids which were around before he was born, he certainly is wrong about outlasting them. In fact, I read PEOPLE and a somewhat newer (but older than Hilton’s blog) magazine US regularly and don’t remember seeing Perez in them too often. If he’s not in the most recent ones (I’m a bit behind in my magazine reading), it might mean he’s not enough of an icon for the editors of those “peerless” magazines to care about his new book.

[Jenny Elle · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Rundown: that really mean guy (who is now super nice) who used to draw penises on celebs on his celerity gossip site promises to give all the dirt, then falls short.

This book swung and missed on delivering anything we didn't already know. I was hoping for some more juicy details on his fall out with Gaga, but again, no such luck. In fact, Perez confirms fall fairly huge fall outs with 3 different big name celebs, but manages to deflect any blame. Instead he claims "they got too famous for him." As they said, there are three different versions, his, hers and the truth. Clearly here we are only getting a very one sided account.

Over all, if you're looking for a quick and moderately entertaining read, this book is for you. Just don't expect to be left speechless by the new tidbits of information. There aren't any.

Head over to https://feedthebookworm.com/2021/03/0...
to see the full review.

[Natalia Rox · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was disappointed by this book. I wanted to get a glimpse into who Mario is. Instead, I had to wade through the humble and not so humble bragging stories of Perez Hilton. I loved his site back in the day and I remember when social responsibility became more prominent and Perez became a dad, I saw glimmers of effort to be better from him.

I picked up this read to understand that shift and see some personal growth from this person I had viewed celebrity news through for years. He did become a celebrity in his own right and the fact that he only measures his worth by being in the presence of others greater than himself is a bit sad.

I felt he held himself back and hid behind re-hashing celebrity scandals instead of being truly vulnerable and showing us who he is. I read autobiographies because I want to get to know the person behind the persona. Instead I saw a man who is too afraid of rejection to step into the light.

[Gaia · Rating 2 out of 5]

“TMI: My Life in Scandal,” by Pérez Hilton, Leif Eriksson, and Martin Svensson, tells of how blogger Mario Lavandeira became Pérez Hilton.

“TMI” is readable, but the reason I rated it two stars is because of the biased manner in which it is written. I recall why Pérez Hilton was assaulted, but he did not fully disclose how damaging his blog was for celebrities— especially those whose private photos, even ones that should have been regarded as criminal, were posted on his blog and how he profited.

What I liked: the manner in which each chapter tells the year along with the most popular blog entries and his relationship with his mother and children.

What I disliked: Pérez is shown in the most flattering light and continues to tell private details that some may not need to ever be reminded of such as Jessica Simpson. He did not apologize to the celebrities who he parasitically profited from, and his entitlement to the best in life. I am glad he is banned for life from The Chateau Marmont.

What Mario Lavandeira has yet to learn is it is less about his superficial looks as it is about his condescending and cruelty.

[Lel Sherazadishvili · Rating 2 out of 5]

I give the author credit for his honesty, and for being a good father as he describes himself, but book itself is dry and kinda soulless.

I had a feeling that it was a collection of articles with brief summaries of stories instead of stories itself.

Book should have a soul and express feelings, deep emotions, words should paint the pictures in the readers imagination. Unfortunately none of those are included in the book.

It’s very obvious that Perez Hilton wrote for paycheck only and creating a real book wasn’t his goal at all.

I expected more from man who had such a controversial and therefore interesting life.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you think you might enjoy this book...YOU WILL. And, no matter what element you're coming for you won't be disappointed. Personal/career, celebrity gossip, Howard Stern/Big Brother, Gaga, Britney, Amy, Paris, John Mayer...its all recounted from his point-of-view. He was there. He also grew up...a lot...over the years...which is fascinating to read as that journey unfolds surrounded by crazy celebrity stories. A super fun read that's also a really nice look "behind the screen" at his life, career, celebrity friends, and family.

[Eunyoung · Rating 2 out of 5]

I listen to his podcast with Chris Booker as a weekly indulgence on pop culture gossip. He's been promoting the heck out of this book so I was curious. There really isn't anything new that he hasn't been telling in his many many promotions for the book so there was no juicy revelations. The writing was fairly basic and it made the book a very quick read. I was more interested in his childhood and earlier years so I wished there was more of that. His chapters are super short covering highlights of the biggest news splash of each year.

[Lisa Terwilliger · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this..it's so many of my favorite things...celeb stories and biographies and under 5 hours for a quick read. And I thought that maybe, having very little knowledge of his life or even him except for a basic knowing, that maybe I'd like this book. I was wrong. I didn't really like this book. I will say that each chapter with it's brief celeb stories of the year, was a great reminder of some of the things that celebs have done that I'd forgotten about...other than that...not that great.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was uncomfortable to listen to. A celebrity gossiper who cultivated mostly fake relationships and who made money off trashing people and showcasing their most embarrassing moments. It’s not my job to judge or decide if Perez is a good or bad person but one thing I could appreciate was his view that Perez was a facade that he adopted. I hope he is a good father. This book left me with questions as I read, I saw him grow a bit but then … did I? Meh. I give it 4 stars because it was entertaining, and sorta sad.

[Meredith Molloy · Rating 3 out of 5]

🎧: TMI: My Life in Scandal by Perez Hilton
⭐️: 3/5

Hurt people hurt people, and Perez Hilton’s autobiography reflects that best. Telling the story of this childhood (filled with some heartbreak), coming of age, to becoming the pop culture blogger and icon he is today, Perez certainly was hurt. And even today, I wonder if he still is a bit hurt. His tone comes across as self-victimization to the max.

3 stars overall for great early 2000s celebrity references and an entertaining audiobook listen. And sure, if he does another book, I’ll give it a listen.

[Simara · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like Perez and I’ve followed him for a long time so I’ve seen his transformation. The book was interesting but a bit light. I wish it was longer and had more anecdotes with different stars. It’s kinda sad to see that the music business and Hollywood is so fake and people use each other to serve a purpose and then they are discarded.
The narration was actually very good. Perez speaks very clearly and adds emotion to his story. It was very enjoyable.

[Katie Young · Rating 3 out of 5]

Listened to this as an audiobook, remembering when I used to regularly scroll through Perez Hilton's infamous blog back in the late 2000's. This is his life story and I actually found his early years more interesting than the celebrity encounters. He comes across as a nice guy and presents the audiobook brilliantly but I feel like this book is him making peace with some of his past and in particular what he wrote about some celebrities. There's a couple of bits of interesting gossip but nothing too exciting. An interesting listen but nothing groundbreaking.

[Liz Sergent · Rating 2 out of 5]

Got this book from the library and was interested in all of the celebrity gossip. While I was hoping to get some real behind the scenes information, this book fell flat. Each chapter showed what scandals were occurring during that time frame but it really didn't give the reader much else. I didn't know anything about the Howard Stern with Perez and Benjey - I wish I never read that! This book is okay, if you can read it for free its is worth it but defiantly do not pay a dime!

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was hoping for some good gossip. Instead I got that Perez is somehow the victim in a lot of things. He’s allegedly sorry for saying a lot of mean things but doesn’t go into it. And he says multiple times that he is impulsive and doesn’t research or think things through— so naturally he decides to have kids and buy some houses.


Seems like a case of reputation rehab and trying to validate his actions.