Kyle Richards defended her sister Kathy Hilton after Kathy stepped down as grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade amid backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community, saying association doesn’t equal shared political views and praising Kathy’s long-standing su
Kyle Richards made it clear where she stands just days after her sister Kathy Hilton stepped away from a prominent Pride role.
On Friday, June 5, Richards, 57, posted via her Instagram Story to defend Hilton, 67, after Hilton relinquished her position as grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade. The decision came amid backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community.
“My sister Kathy has always been a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to be,” Richards wrote. “As far as ‘MAGA ties’, just because you are acquainted with or associated with or associated with someone in the past or present, does not mean you share their political views.”
Richards added that she understood the concerns around distraction and stressed that the day should stay focused on celebration. “The WeHo Pride Parade is a happy celebratory day. I respect my sister’s decision for not wanting to be a distraction on a day that belongs to the LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Pride!”.
Much of the criticism aimed at Hilton has centered on her past association with President Donald Trump. The article notes that Hilton has never shared whether she has voted for Trump, and that Kathy and her husband, Rick Hilton, socialized with the Trumps in the past.
Hilton announced on Wednesday, June 3 that she would relinquish her role in the annual pride parade. In her statement, she said, “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 also described her original intent for getting involved with Pride weekend. “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 went on to address her broader commitments. Her statement said she remains committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and visibility. including through her participation in GLAAD initiatives and events. and 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.
“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. ” Hilton added. “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.”.
Kyle Richards Kathy Hilton West Hollywood Pride Parade grand marshal LGBTQIA+ community Instagram Story MAGA ties Donald Trump Rick Hilton GLAAD Elton John AIDS Foundation Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation God’s Love We Deliver Project Angel Food