Kathy Hilton Won't Be Weho Pride's Grand Marshal After Backlash From Community

Kathy Hilton will nary longer beryllium nan expansive marshal of West Hollywood’s pridefulness parade.

The metropolis and WeHo Pride connected Wednesday released a joint statement, announcing that “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” prima would nary longer service arsenic nan Grand Marshal Icon for nan 2026 WeHo Pride Parade. The arena is scheduled for Sunday.

“After thoughtful discussions, nan City of West Hollywood, nan WeHo Pride accumulation team, and Kathy Hilton person wished that nan 2026 WeHo Pride Parade will not designate a Grand Marshal Icon honoree,” publication nan statement.

The determination comes little than a week aft Hilton was announced. That May 28 announcement was met pinch swift backlash from nan LGBTQ+ organization and allies, who called retired Hilton’s ties to President Trump and alleged MAGA-leaning politics. Critics besides cited accusations that nan socialite had used a homophobic slur while connected a trip pinch different formed members of “The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills,” an action she has antecedently denied.

In their associated statement, West Hollywood and nan WeHo Pride squad expressed their appreciation for “the respectful and sincere dialogue” astir some nan arena and nan “role and significance” of Pride honorees.

“The City of West Hollywood has ever believed that Pride belongs to nan community,” nan associated connection said. “Since its earliest days, Pride has served arsenic some a ceremony and a level for activism, visibility, resilience, and nan ongoing pursuit of equality, dignity, and justness for LGBTQ+ people. ... These conversations bespeak nan passion group person for WeHo Pride and underscore nan value of ensuring that WeHo Pride continues to grant nan history, values, and divers voices of nan LGBTQ+ community.”

In a statement, Hilton expressed gratitude for being considered for expansive marshal and reaffirmed her committedness to nan LGBTQ+ organization and causes.

“My logic for wanting to beryllium progressive successful this year’s WeHo Pride play was simple: to celebrate, support, and stock successful nan joyousness of a organization that intends a awesome woody to truthful galore people,” Hilton said. “Pride is, and ever will be, astir celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, experiences, and achievements. ... My support for nan organization and WeHo Pride is unwavering.”

She besides mentioned respective queer defense organizations and events she has supported complete nan years, including GLAAD, nan Elton John AIDS Foundation, nan Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, Dr. Mathilde Krim, God’s Love We Deliver and Project Angel Food.

The latest Pride-related dust-up follows nan abrupt cancellation of nan Long Beach Pride Festival successful May. The city’s Pride Parade took spot arsenic planned.

Both snafus person occurred arsenic blimpish politicians and advocates proceed to onslaught LGBTQ+ authorities and visibility nationwide. Some Republican governors person moreover pushed for conservative alternatives to Pride period festivities. A caller Gallup poll has recovered that aft years of dependable gains, support for matrimony equality and same-sex relationships has slipped, peculiarly among Republicans.