After Kathy Hilton was removed as grand marshal of the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade, RHOBH co-stars Jennifer Tilly and Kyle Richards publicly defended her, citing her long-running support for LGBTQ+ causes and pushing back on political accusations.
Kathy Hilton’s name has been at the center of a Pride Parade storm, and her Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-stars are stepping in fast.
Kathy was removed from her role as grand marshal of the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade after backlash tied to her selection. On Friday (June 5), Jennifer Tilly took to Instagram to defend her longtime friend. “I stand with Kathy. Nobody works harder and more tirelessly to give back to the community than @kathyhilton. She has repeatedly opened her home, her heart, and her pocketbook for LGBTQ+ causes.”.
Tilly didn’t stop there. She praised Kathy’s support of organizations including Project Angel Food, writing, “Kathy is an alley [sic] and an advocate,” along with a heart emoji.
Kyle Richards also weighed in, posting a statement on Instagram Stories in support of her sister. “My sister Kathy has always been a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to be,” Kyle wrote.
Kyle then addressed the controversy head-on, responding to the “MAGA ties” claim. “As far as ‘MAGA ties’, just because you are acquainted with or have associated with someone in the past or present, does not mean you share their political views.”
She added another point that lands closer to the moment itself: “I respect my sister’s decision for not wanting to be a distraction on a day that belongs to the LGBTQIA+ community.”
Kathy had announced earlier this week that she would no longer serve as grand marshal, after criticism from some members of the community.
The sequence—backlash over the role, Kathy stepping away, and then co-stars publicly pushing back on the criticism—has left RHOBH fans with one clear question: whether Kathy’s long history of giving and LGBTQ+ advocacy is being overshadowed by the political arguments around her connections.
RHOBH Jennifer Tilly Kyle Richards Kathy Hilton WeHo Pride Parade 2026 grand marshal Instagram LGBTQIA+ causes Project Angel Food controversy MAGA ties