Kathy Hilton will no longer serve as the Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 West Hollywood Pride Parade, the city and WeHo Pride announced Wednesday. The decision follows criticism from LGBTQ+ community members over Hilton's alleged political affiliations and past controversies.
Immediate Action & Core Facts
The joint statement from West Hollywood and WeHo Pride confirmed that no Grand Marshal Icon will be designated for this year's parade. The reversal came less than a week after Hilton's selection was announced on May 28, sparking backlash online.
Deeper Dive & Context
Critics questioned Hilton's ties to former President Donald Trump, whose policies have drawn criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates. While Hilton has not publicly endorsed Trump, she has attended events at Mar-a-Lago and the Trump National Golf Club, which some interpreted as political support. A representative for Hilton stated she has not endorsed any political candidate since 2008 and is not part of the MAGA movement.
Additional controversy stemmed from a 2022 rumor that Hilton used a homophobic slur during a trip with the cast of 'The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.' Hilton has denied the allegation, which was brought up by fellow cast member Lisa Rinna during a reunion episode. LGBTQ+ activists, including Tyler Oakley, expressed disappointment in the city's initial selection, citing a lack of faith in WeHo City Hall's oversight of Pride events.
The joint statement emphasized the importance of Pride as a platform for activism and equality, noting that the decision was made after respectful dialogue with the community. The city and WeHo Pride expressed appreciation for the discussions, which they said underscored the significance of honoring diverse voices in the LGBTQ+ community.