Why Was Kathy Hilton Pulled as the Grand Marshal of the WeHo Pride Parade?
Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton will no longer serve as the Grand Marshal of the WeHo Pride Parade. Hilton’s position as the Grand Marshal frustrated a number of people. In response to the backlash, both WeHo Pride and Hilton released statements about the decision.
Kathy Hilton will no longer be the Grand Marshal at WeHo Pride
Hilton’s ties to Donald Trump and reported Republicanism sparked backlash over her role as Grand Marshal. She also allegedly used a homophobic slur in front of her RHOBH castmates. Following the backlash, the City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride released a statement.
“The announcement of Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has generated a range of perspectives across our community,” the statement began. “In recent days, community members have shared thoughtful feedback regarding the role and significance of Pride honorees. The City of West Hollywood is grateful for the respectful and sincere dialogue that has taken place.”
After discussions with Hilton, they have decided that they will no longer have a Grand Marshal at this year’s Pride.
“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.”
They went on to thank Hilton for her support.
“The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride Parade organizers thank Kathy Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride has always been strongest when it genuinely reflects the community. WeHo Pride is strengthened by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to inclusion.”
Kathy Hilton released a statement about WeHo Pride
Hilton released a statement of her own about the decision.
“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,” she wrote. “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.”
She pointed to the ways she has supported the LGBTQ+ community over the years.
“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,” she wrote. “My support for the community and WeHo Pride is unwavering.”
She ended by wishing people a happy WeHo Pride weekend.
Social media users pushed back against her prominent position
Before Hilton stepped down as Grand Marshal, a number of people criticized the decision. They did not feel that Hilton was a good choice for the event.
“As a queer person I think this issue goes beyond Kathy,” wrote one Reddit user. “I struggle with the idea of most of the Housewives being ‘gay icons’ or performing at Pride. It’s weird to me that a lot of them are either Republican, overly-religious, or align themselves with those kinds of values/people and then are invited into queer spaces. Imo, they have no place at Pride – only outspoken allies or actual members of the community do.”
Many people pointed to her infamous Aspen meltdown on RHOBH. Erika Jayne claimed Hilton used a slur off-camera. One person noted that anyone who has used a slur and “and who has supported 2024 Republican campaign, her entire identity is money oriented. Money over anything. She does not have a soul or virtues as she already has hundreds of millions already but it’s never enough. It’s pure greed.”
