Kathy Hilton has stepped down from her role as the grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade following criticism 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, stated 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.”
Hilton further expressed, “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 added, “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.”
The City of West Hollywood initially praised Hilton as “a vocal and visible supporter of the community,” noting her advocacy for LGBTQ+ rights through her platform.
However, some disagreed, including the AIDS Memorial’s official Instagram account, which sarcastically commented, “Melania Trump not available?”
Another commenter questioned, “I ask sincerely—what has this lady done for the LGBT+ community?” while a third urged the organizers to rethink Hilton’s selection, saying, “@wehopride it’s not too late to take this back.”
The City of West Hollywood later clarified that grand marshals are chosen “in recognition of their visibility, allyship, and support for the LGBTQ+ community.”
In a statement, the City emphasized, “Kathy Hilton has publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through her participation in GLAAD events and initiatives. 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.”
Paris Hilton and mother Kathy Hilton arrive at the 2005 LA Gay Pride Parade. Phil McCarten/Getty Images
On Wednesday, WeHo Pride released a statement acknowledging Hilton’s decision to step down from the role.
“The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride Parade organizers thank Kathy Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community,” the statement said. “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 further stated, “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.”
Criticism surrounding Hilton’s involvement in WeHo Pride largely centered on her past connections with President Donald Trump. Although Kathy has not publicly disclosed her voting choices, she and her husband, Rick Hilton, have socialized with the Trumps in the past.
Additionally, Kathy faced allegations of using a homophobic slur toward a DJ during a Real Housewives of Beverly Hills trip to Aspen in 2022. During that year’s RHOBH reunion, Erika Jayne claimed she heard Kathy use an offensive term during an alleged outburst.
Kathy Hilton kept her distance from The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills until season 11, but that didn’t mean her rocky relationship with Kyle Richards wasn’t a topic of discussion on the Bravo series. When RHOBH premiered in 2010, Kyle was joined by sister Kim Richards — and by the end of the season, the […]
“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.”
