Kathy Hilton Steps Down as WeHo Pride Grand Marshal

Kathy Hilton has withdrawn as grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade following backlash from LGBTQ+ community members. She cited a desire to celebrate and support LGBTQ+ voices, while Pride organizers said the event will evolve through open dialogue

Kathy Hilton’s name was on the West Hollywood Pride Parade’s grand marshal list—until the backlash hit hard enough that she stepped back.

In a statement shared Wednesday, June 3, Kathy Hilton said she would no longer serve as grand marshal. “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, wrote.

Her message framed her original intention for the WeHo Pride weekend as straightforward: to show up for a community she described as deeply meaningful to her. “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 also pointed to her involvement with LGBTQ+ causes and visibility. She said she remains committed to “supporting LGBTQ+ causes and visibility. including through my participation in GLAAD initiatives and events. ” and named longtime backing of organizations including “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. ” Hilton wrote. adding that the event “has always had a special place in my heart.” She referenced her past experience as grand marshal of the LA Pride parade in 2005 with her daughter. saying she would “always cherish the experience I had acting as Grand Marshal of the LA Pride parade with my daughter in 2005.”.

After the City of West Hollywood initially promoted Hilton as “a vocal and visible supporter of the community. ” crediting her for using her “platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights. ” some community members pushed back. The AIDS Memorial’s official Instagram account responded with a sarcastic comment: “Melania Trump not available?” A commenter asked the City of West Hollywood. “I ask sincerely—what has this lady done for the LGBT+ community??” Another Instagram user urged Pride organizers to cancel the booking. writing. “@wehopride it’s not too late to take this back.”.

The City later clarified how grand marshals are chosen. saying the role is awarded “in recognition of their visibility. allyship. and support for the LGBTQ+ community.” It added that “Kathy Hilton has publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes and visibility. including through her participation in GLAAD events and initiatives.” At the same time. the City said concerns raised by West Hollywood residents. stakeholders. and LGBTQ+ community members “are important and deserve to be heard. ” adding. “We are listening. We believe that WeHo Pride is strengthened by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to equality and inclusion.”.

That stance shifted into a public response of its own once Kathy Hilton stood down. On Wednesday, a new statement from WeHo Pride explained the decision. “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.

They continued: “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.”

Organizers added that the City “remains dedicated to ensuring that WeHo Pride continues to be a joyful celebration rooted in visibility. belonging. and respect. ” and said it “welcomes ongoing community conversations that help it to evolve while honoring its history and purpose.” They emphasized the scale of the event as well: “The WeHo Pride Parade is a celebration of community. and we are proud to welcome nearly 120 parade entries this year.”.

Behind the controversy, critics focused on Kathy Hilton’s past political association. Much of the criticism of her 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.

Other complaints were tied to an incident connected to The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. Kathy was accused of using a homophobic slur toward a DJ while filming a RHOBH trip to Aspen in 2022. During that year’s RHOBH reunion. Erika Jayne said 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 the accusation. 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.”

In her own closing words on Wednesday. Kathy Hilton returned to the tone she used throughout her statement—gratitude. commitment. and optimism for the weekend ahead. “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.”.

Even as her role ends, WeHo Pride’s organizers are signaling that the conversation isn’t done—only the grand marshal’s chair has been vacated.

Kathy Hilton West Hollywood Pride WeHo Pride grand marshal LGBTQ+ community backlash GLAAD Elton John AIDS Foundation Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation Dr. Mathilde Krim God’s Love We Deliver Project Angel Food Donald Trump The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills