Kathy Hilton will no longer be serving as grand marshal of the West Hollywood 2026 Pride Parade.
The annual pride parade is scheduled to take place on Sunday, June 7 along the Santa Monica Boulevard, between Crescent Heights Boulevard and San Vicente Boulevard.
Days before the big event, Kathy, 67, announced that she has been removed as grand marshal following 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,” Kathy 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.”
She continued, “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,” Kathy concluded. “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.”
When the City of West Hollywood first announced that Kathy would be serving as the grand marshal of this year’s parade, the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star was called “a vocal and visible supporter of the community” and was credited for using her “platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights.”
However, many disagreed, noting that Kathy and her family used to be good friends with Donald Trump. She was also accused of using a homophobic slur towards a DJ while filming RHOBH in Aspen in 2022, which she has vehemently denied.
“I ask sincerely—what has this lady done for the LGBT+ community??” another commenter question.
After Kathy announced that she will no longer be serving as the grand marshal, WeHo Pride released a statement.
“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.”
As of right now, it’s unclear if anyone else will be replacing Kathy Hilton as the grand marshal of the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade.
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