Kathy Hilton will no longer be the grand marshal of West Hollywood\u2019s pride parade. <\/p>\n
The city and WeHo Pride on Wednesday released a joint statement,<\/a> announcing that \u201cThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills<\/a>\u201d star would no longer serve as the Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade. The event is scheduled for Sunday. <\/p>\n \u201cAfter thoughtful discussions, the City of West Hollywood, the WeHo Pride production team, and Kathy Hilton<\/a> have determined that the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree,\u201d read the statement. <\/p>\n The decision comes less than a week after Hilton was announced<\/a>. That May 28 announcement was met with swift backlash<\/a> from the LGBTQ+ community and allies, who called out Hilton\u2019s ties to President Trump<\/a> and alleged MAGA-leaning politics. Critics also cited accusations that the socialite had used a homophobic slur<\/a> while on a trip with other cast members<\/a> of \u201cThe Real Housewives of Beverly Hills<\/a>,\u201d an action she has previously denied. <\/p>\n In their joint statement, West Hollywood and the WeHo Pride team expressed their appreciation for \u201cthe respectful and sincere dialogue\u201d around both the event and the \u201crole and significance\u201d of Pride honorees. <\/p>\n \u201cThe City of West Hollywood has always believed that Pride<\/a> belongs to the community,\u201d the joint statement said. \u201cSince its earliest days, Pride has served as both a celebration and a platform for activism, visibility, resilience, and the ongoing pursuit of equality, dignity, and justice for LGBTQ+ people. … These conversations reflect the passion people have for WeHo Pride and underscore the importance of ensuring that WeHo Pride continues to honor the history, values, and diverse voices of the LGBTQ+ community.\u201d <\/p>\n In a statement, Hilton expressed gratitude for being considered for grand marshal and reaffirmed her commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and causes. <\/p>\n \u201cMy reason for wanting to be involved in this year\u2019s 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,\u201d Hilton said. \u201cPride is, and always will be, about celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, experiences, and achievements. … My support for the community and WeHo Pride is unwavering.\u201d <\/p>\n She also mentioned several queer advocacy organizations and events she has supported over the years, including GLAAD, the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Dr. Mathilde Krim, God\u2019s Love We Deliver and Project Angel Food. <\/p>\n The latest Pride-related dust-up follows the abrupt cancellation of the Long Beach Pride Festival<\/a> in May. The city\u2019s Pride Parade<\/a> took place as planned. <\/p>\n Both snafus have occurred as conservative politicians and advocates continue to attack LGBTQ+ rights and visibility nationwide. Some Republican governors have even pushed for conservative alternatives<\/a> to Pride month festivities. A recent Gallup poll<\/a> has found that after years of steady gains, support for marriage equality and same-sex relationships has slipped, particularly among Republicans. <\/p>\n