Key Points
Kathy Hilton will no longer be Grand Marshal Icon at the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade in West Hollywood, Calif.
This year’s chosen honoree had been criticized for reasons including her ties to President Donald Trump.
The city of West Hollywood/WeHo Pride said there won’t be anyone in the role for the June 7 event.
Kathy Hilton is out as the grand marshal of the Pride Parade in West Hollywood, Calif.
Officials from the city and WeHo Pride made the announcement Wednesday, following backlash over Hilton being named this year’s Grand Marshal Icon. Critics had seized on her ties to President Donald Trump and his Make America Great Again movement. Erika Jayne, one of Hilton’s costars on The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills, had alleged that Hilton had used a homophobic slur. Hilton denied the allegation.
The organization Indigenous Pride LA had opted not to participate this year: “Many within our Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ circles feel this year’s Grand Marshal choice does not align with the values, lived experiences, and spirit of Pride we seek to uplift.”
In their statement, officials said, “The announcement of Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has generated a range of perspectives across our community. In recent days, community members have shared thoughtful feedback regarding the role and significance of Pride honorees.”
West Hollywood is “grateful for the respectful and sincere dialogue that has taken place,” the statement continued. “After thoughtful discussions, the City of West Hollywood, the WeHo Pride production team, and Kathy Hilton have determined that the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree.”
Hilton gave her own statement, in which she noted her support of the community.
“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,” she said. “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 continued, “I respect the thoughtful conversations that have taken place and remain deeply committed to supporting LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through my participation in GLAAD initiatives and events, and longstanding support of organizations such as 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.”
Paris Hilton and Kathy Hilton at the LA Pride Parade in 2005
Credit: J. Vespa/WireImage
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She called the event “monumentally important” and said it’s “always had a special place in my heart.”
Hilton said she “will always cherish the experience I had acting as Grand Marshal of the LA Pride parade with my daughter in 2005.”
The 2026 WeHo Pride Parade will take place Sunday at noon on Santa Monica Boulevard.
Read the original article on Entertainment Weekly
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