Kathy Hilton has declined to be the grand marshal icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride event in Los Angeles.
Hilton and the organization issued a joint statement Wednesday confirming that she will not be attending Sunday’s event after receiving backlash over her alleged relationship with President Donald Trump and an incident in which she allegedly made homophobic slurs.
“The City of West Hollywood has always believed that Pride belongs to the community. Since its earliest days, Pride has served as both a celebration and a platform for the activism, visibility, and resilience of LGBTQ+ people, and their continued pursuit of equality, dignity, and justice,” the statement began.
“The announcement of Kathy Hilton as the Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has created a variety of perspectives across our community. In recent days, community members have shared thoughtful feedback about the role and importance of the Pride honorees.”
The group said it was “grateful for the respectful and honest dialogue that has taken place” and wants to ensure that “the history, values and diverse voices of the LGBTQ+ community” are respected.
“After thoughtful discussion, the City of West Hollywood, the WeHo Pride production team, and Kathy Hilton have decided not to name a Grand Marshal Icon recipient for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade.”
The “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star shared another statement in addition to WeHo Pride’s.
“We are honored to be selected for this recognition and are grateful for the support we have received from community members over the years,” the statement reads.
“The reason I wanted to participate in WeHo Pride Weekend this year was simple: to celebrate, support, and share the joy of a community that means so much to so many people. Pride is about celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, experiences, and accomplishments.”
“We honor the thoughtful conversations that have taken place and remain deeply committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and visibility,” Hilton said in a statement. She also listed a number of LGBTQ+ organizations and initiatives in which she is actively involved.
“This monumentally important event will always hold a special place in my heart, and I will always cherish the experience of serving as Grand Marshal of the LA Pride Parade with my daughter in 2005. Thank you to everyone who worked so hard to make this event possible, and I wish the community nothing but love, joy, and a wonderful WeHo Pride weekend,” she concluded.
After Hilton was announced as the Grand Marshal Icon, many members of the community pointed out her relationship with Trump. The Trump administration, in particular, has enacted numerous policies that restrict LGBTQ+ rights, with a particular focus on transgender individuals.
“Oh my god, she’s literally partying at Mar-a-Lago,” one critic wrote on Instagram. “Already Kathy Hilton?? Are you all losing your mind??” another added.
“Apparently using gay slurs is a condition of being Grand Marshal at the WeHo Pride Parade,” one person wrote.
Hilton has not said whether she voted for Trump, but she has been photographed socializing with him on several occasions.
In 2022, Hilton skipped filming the season 12 finale of RHOBH to attend President Trump’s Super Bowl party at Mar-a-Lago.
Additionally, Hilton came under fire during Season 12’s ill-fated Aspen cast trip when RHOBH co-star Erika Jayne accused her of calling DJ an “old son of a bitch.”
Jayne made this remark at the class reunion broadcast in October 2022, but Hilton vehemently denied it, saying, “I would never use such words.”
“Anyone who knows me knows I don’t talk like that,” the socialite added.
But that same month, a source close to the “Pretty Female” singer exclusively told Page Six that Jayne was forced to accuse Hilton of spewing homophobic slurs because she is a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ community.
“Erica cares deeply about the LGBTQIA+ community. They have been by her side since the early stages of her career, even before Housewives,” the source said.
“She had no choice but to say something and take a stand. She wanted to make a statement. None of the performers intend to attack or denigrate the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Bravo launched an investigation into the matter, but according to network executive Andy Cohen, it was inconclusive because “she said it, she said it.”
