WeHo Pride announces Kathy Hilton will NOT now be a Grand Marshal following backlash
WeHo Pride faced backlash and withdrawals after it announced Kathy Hilton as a Grand Marshal.
Mark
After criticism online, the organizers of WeHo Pride in California have issued a statement regarding their pick for Grand Marshal.
This year’s parade is due to take place on Sunday (June 7) in West Hollywood. Kathy Hilton, of The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, was due to appear in the ‘Grand Marshal Icon’ role. However, both organizers and Hilton have decided against going ahead with this.
The controversy kicked off last week when WeHo Pride announced that Hilton would be joining its lineup.
In a statement, it said Hilton, mother of Paris and Nicky Hilton, was selected “for her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community, allyship in the entertainment industry, and unwavering support across pop culture.”
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However, almost instantly, online commentators registered their unhappiness over the decision.
Complaints
Many questioned what exactly Hilton had done for the LGBTQ+ community. Others alleged Hilton was a supporter of President Tr*mp and had once used an anti-gay slur.
It’s not known if Kathy Hilton has ever voted for Tr*mp, although both have moved in the same circles as well-known hotel moguls.
She has shown support for Tr*mp in other ways. She and her husband hosted a party for Tr*mp in 2004 to celebrate his show, The Apprentice.
More recently, in 2022, she was photographed attending a Super Bowl party at Tr*mp’s Mar-a-Lago residence. Fellow RHOBH costar Lisa Rinna called Hilton out for skipping filming the show’s season 12 finale to attend the Florida gathering.
That same year, during a reunion show, another RHOBH star, Erika Jayne, alleged Hilton used a slur whilst they were out dancing at a club.
“I see Kathy coming from the dance floor, very upset,” Jayne said. “I say, ‘Kathy, what’s wrong?’ She says, ‘The DJ’s an old f*cking f*g,’ and walked off.”
Hilton denied this. She said she was frustrated that the DJ had not played one of her requests, as they said they were “too busy”. She said she would never have used that language.
In her defense, others have pointed out that Hilton has attended and hosted several GLAAD events.
Hilton withdraws
Yesterday, Indigenous Pride LA announced it was withdrawing from WeHo Pride following the decision to honor Hilton.
“This decision comes after careful reflection and is primarily in response to the selection of this year’s Grand Marshal Icon, an individual whom many within our Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ communities feel does not align with the values, lived experiences, and spirit of Pride that we seek to uplift,” it said in a statement.
That may have proved the nail in the coffin for the Grand Marshal Icon idea.
Last night, the “City of West Hollywood/WeHo Pride and Kathy Hilton” issued a joint press release.
“The announcement of Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has generated a range of perspectives across our community,” it said. “In recent days, community members have shared thoughtful feedback regarding the role and significance of Pride honorees.
“After thoughtful discussions, the City of West Hollywood, the WeHo Pride production team, and Kathy Hilton have determined that the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree.”
“I wish the community nothing but love, joy, and a fantastic WeHo Pride weekend”
Hilton added a personal comment, saying, “I am honored to have been considered for this recognition and appreciative of the support I have received from members of the community throughout the years. My reason for wanting to be involved in this year’s WeHo Pride weekend was simple: to celebrate, support, and share in the joy of a community that means a great deal to so many people. Pride is, and always will be, about celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, experiences, and achievements.
“I respect the thoughtful conversations that have taken place and remain deeply committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through my participation in GLAAD initiatives and events, and longstanding support of organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation since its inception, Dr. Mathilde Krim, God’s Love We Deliver, and Project Angel Food. My support for the community and WeHo Pride is unwavering. This monumentally important event has always had a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish the experience I had acting as Grand Marshal of the LA Pride parade with my daughter in 2005. Thank you to everyone who works so hard to make it happen, and I wish the community nothing but love, joy, and a fantastic WeHo Pride weekend.”
WeHo Pride events this weekend
WeHo Pride runs this weekend, from Friday-Sunday, June 5-7. Festivities include a Street Fair, OUTLOUD music festival, Women’s Freedom Festival, Dyke March, and the main WeHo Pride Parade.
Headliners at OUTLOUD in West Hollywood Park are Pussycat Dolls, Jade and Ava Max.
Although Hilton is not now taking part, the Sunday parade will include other “WeHo Pride Parade Icons”. Namely, the current Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders, featuring the NFL’s first male cheerleaders, former co-captains Napoleon Jinnies and Quinton Peron. The parade kicks off at noon.
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