Kathy Hilton has withdrawn as grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade after a wave of backlash online tied to her past connections to President Donald Trump and allegations from Real Housewives of Beverly Hills that she used a homophobic slur. West Ho
Kathy Hilton was set to lead the West Hollywood Pride Parade as grand marshal on Sunday, but the plan didn’t survive the backlash.
Last week. the City of West Hollywood announced on Instagram that the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star would hold the ceremonial role for the WeHo Pride weekend. Social media reactions came fast. Many critics pointed to Hilton’s close ties to President Donald Trump. noting that Trump oversees an administration that has enacted a broad rollback of LGBTQ+ protections. The source material also makes clear it’s unknown whether Hilton has ever voted for Trump. while emphasizing that the two were “pretty friendly” in the past.
That anger sharpened further with another accusation tied to Hilton. Her co-star Erika Jayne previously accused Hilton of calling a DJ “an old f**king [F-word].” Hilton’s daughter, Paris Hilton’s mom, denied ever using the homophobic slur, but Erika called that denial “BS.”
Against that backdrop, Hilton decided to pull out of the parade. In a statement issued on Wednesday, she said she was “honored to have been considered for this recognition” and “appreciative of the support” she has received from members of the community throughout the year.
Hilton said her reason for wanting to be involved in WeHo Pride weekend was straightforward: “to celebrate. support. and share in the joy of a community that means a great deal to so many people.” She added that Pride is “about celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices. experiences. and achievements. ” and she said she respects the “thoughtful conversations” that have taken place.
She also insisted her commitment to LGBTQ+ causes has not changed, pointing to her participation in GLAAD initiatives and events. She cited longstanding support 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.
Hilton further emphasized that her “support for the community and WeHo Pride is unwavering.” She called the event personally meaningful. saying it “has always had a special place in my heart. ” and she referenced her previous experience as grand marshal of the LA Pride parade with her daughter in 2005.
She closed her statement by thanking those who work to make the event happen and wishing the community “nothing but love, joy, and a fantastic WeHo Pride weekend.”
The city responded as well. saying in its statement that “The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride Parade organizers thank Kathy Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community.” It added that “Pride has always been strongest when it genuinely reflects the community. ” and said WeHo Pride is strengthened by “open dialogue. mutual respect. and a shared commitment to inclusion.”.
According to the city, West Hollywood remains dedicated to ensuring the parade “continues to be a joyful celebration rooted in visibility, belonging, and respect,” and it “welcomes ongoing community conversations that help it to evolve while honoring its history and purpose.”
No substitute grand marshal was named in the source material, though it asks readers to consider whether Bronwyn Newport—described as an LGBTQ+ ally and vocal supporter from RHOSLC—could be a replacement.
By Wednesday, the decision made the stakes clear: when public backlash collides with a highly visible community moment, the response can arrive quickly—right down to who leads the march.
Kathy Hilton West Hollywood Pride Parade WeHo Pride grand marshal Erika Jayne Real Housewives of Beverly Hills LGBTQ+ backlash homophobic slur allegation Donald Trump ties GLAAD Elton John AIDS Foundation Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation City of West Hollywood
Who even is Kathy Hilton for Pride anyway.
So they picked her, then everyone got mad, and she backed out. But like… did she actually vote for Trump? The article says it’s unknown and that’s kinda the whole thing.
It says she used a slur, Erika said it was BS about the denial. Also they bring up “friendly” with Trump like that proves something?? I’m not saying people should ignore it but the whole DJ story is still from TV drama like Real Housewives is always messy.
This is why I don’t trust rich celebs with any “community” title. If she was close to Trump and said that stuff, then yeah she should step down. Also isn’t Paris Hilton gay or did I make that up? Idk, all I know is WeHo Pride should have someone who’s actually been supportive forever.