Kathy Hilton will no longer serve as the grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade due to a backlash from the LGBTQ+ community.
“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,” Hilton, 67, said in a statement on Wednesday, June 3. “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.”
Her statement went on, “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,” she continued. “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.”
The City of West Hollywood initially touted Hilton as “a vocal and visible supporter of the community” and credited her with using her “platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights.”
Many disagreed, with the AIDS Memorial’s official Instagram account sarcastically replying via Instagram, “Melania Trump not available?”
“I ask sincerely—what has this lady done for the LGBT+ community??” another commenter asked the City of West Hollywood.
A third Instagram user urged WeHo Pride organizers to cancel the booking, writing, “@wehopride it’s not too late to take this back.”
The City of West Hollywood subsequently clarified that Pride Parade grand marshals are chosen “in recognition of their visibility, allyship, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.”
“Kathy Hilton has publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through her participation in GLAAD events and initiatives,” a statement from the City added. “At the same time, we acknowledge that concerns raised by West Hollywood residents, stakeholders, and LGBTQ+ community members are important and deserve to be heard. We are listening. We believe that WeHo Pride is strengthened by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to equality and inclusion.”
On Wednesday, a new statement from WeHo Pride addressed Hilton standing down as the grand marshal.
“The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride Parade organizers thank Kathy Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community,” their statement read. “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.”
They continued, “The City of West Hollywood remains dedicated to ensuring that WeHo Pride continues to be a joyful celebration rooted in visibility, belonging, and respect, and welcomes ongoing community conversations that help it to evolve while honoring its history and purpose. The WeHo Pride Parade is a celebration of community, and we are proud to welcome nearly 120 parade entries this year. We look forward to a parade and weekend that honors the spirit and extraordinary contributions of the LGBTQ+ community.”
Much of the criticism of Hilton’s involvement in WeHo Pride revolved around her past association with President Donald Trump. While Kathy never publicly stated whether or not she voted for Trump, 79, to be president, she and her husband, Rick Hilton, socialized with the Trumps in the past.
Kathy was also accused of using a homophobic slur towards a DJ while filming a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills trip to Aspen in 2022. During that year’s RHOBH reunion, Erika Jayne said that she personally heard Kathy use an offensive term during an alleged outburst.
“I see Kathy coming from the dance floor, very upset,” Erika told host Andy Cohen. “I say, ‘Kathy, what’s wrong?’ She says, ‘The DJ’s an old f***ing f**,’ and walked off.”
Kathy denied ever using a homophobic slur, telling Cohen, 58, “I will admit to what I do, but I will not be painted to be this monster. Nobody else heard that, and anyone who knows me knows I don’t talk like that.”
Cohen later confirmed to Us Weekly that Bravo’s investigation into the scandal was inconclusive because “it was a case of she-said, she-said.”
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