has stepped down as the Grand Marshal Icon honoree for this Sunday's WeHo Pride Parade in .
Showbiz
Kathy Hilton Bows Out of Pride Parade Amid Backlash
Kathy Hilton has stepped down as the Grand Marshal Icon honoree for this Sunday's WeHo Pride Parade in Los Angeles.The 67-year-old socialite – who was recently ...
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The 67-year-old socialite – – made the announcement in a joint statement with the WeHo Pride production team on Wednesday.
The decision comes amid backlash over Hilton's perceived ties to President 's MAGA movement, as well as an incident in which she allegedly used a homophobic slur.
An Instagram caption shared by WeHo Pride and WeHo City read: 'WeHo Pride is a celebration strengthened by respectful and sincere dialogue with the community.
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'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.'
The long-form statement, posted on wehopride.com, explained that the city received a range of reactions to Hilton's appointment, creating a debate within the LGBTQ+ community.
Kathy Hilton has stepped down as Grand Marshal Icon for this Sunday's WeHo Pride Parade in Los Angeles; pictured in May
The decision comes amid backlash over Hilton's perceived ties to President Donald Trump's MAGA movement, as well as an incident in which she allegedly said a homophobic slur; pictured with husband Rick Hilton in December 2012
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It ultimately prompted the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) star to step aside.
She additionally shared a personal statement, writing that she was 'honored to have been considered for this recognition and appreciative of the support I have received from members of the community throughout the years.'
An Instagram caption shared by WeHo Pride and WeHo City read: 'WeHo Pride is a celebration strengthened by respectful and sincere dialogue with the community'
Despite Hilton dropping out of the parade, WeHo Pride's Instagram comment section was still full of dismayed followers who think the organization should choose a different Grand Marshal Icon honoree
'I'm sure there's plenty of strong queer role models right here in WeHo that would be happy to sit in the back of a convertible and wav,' said one person
Hilton has been criticized for her decades-long chummy relationship with Trump; pictured in 1997
'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.
'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.'
Despite Hilton dropping out of the parade, WeHo Pride's Instagram comment section was still full of dismayed followers who think the organization should choose a different Grand Marshal Icon honoree.
Activist Amber Whittington took to the Instagram post to say, 'Soooo many GAYS that could be chosen! Not honoring someone should NOT be the solution.'
And a social media user with the handle @midasheart weighed in, 'Or MAYBE just MAYBE pick one of the THOUSANDS of people who have been working in LGBTQ activism and community building for LITERAL DECADES that lives in this city!'
'I'm sure there's plenty of strong queer role models right here in WeHo that would be happy to sit in the back of a convertible and wav,' said another person.
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