Kathy Hilton drops out of West Hollywood Pride Parade amid political backlash over MAGA ties

Kathy Hilton has stepped down as the Grand Marshal Icon honoree for this Sunday's WeHo Pride Parade in Los Angeles.

The 67-year-old socialite – who was recently sued by a visitor to her Bel-Air mansion – made the announcement in a joint statement with the WeHo Pride production team on Wednesday.

The decision comes amid backlash over Hilton's perceived ties to President Donald Trump's MAGA movement, as well as an incident in which she allegedly used a homophobic slur.

An Instagram caption shared by WeHo Pride and WeHo City read: 'WeHo Pride is a celebration strengthened by respectful and sincere dialogue with the community. 

'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.'

The long-form statement, posted on wehopride.com, explained that the city received a range of reactions to Hilton's appointment, creating a debate within the LGBTQ+ community.

It ultimately prompted the Real Housewives of Beverly Hills (RHOBH) star to step aside.

She additionally shared a personal statement, writing that she was 'honored to have been considered for this recognition and appreciative of the support I have received from members of the community throughout the years.'

In addition to being criticized for her chummy relationship with Trump, Hilton was also accused of uttering a gay slur by RHOBH co-star Erika Jayne in 2022.

During a season 12 reunion in October 2022 Jayne, 54, alleged that Hilton directed a slur toward a club DJ in Aspen, Colorado.

'I see Kathy coming from the dance floor, very upset,' Jayne claimed at the time. 'I said, "Kathy, what’s wrong?" She said, "The DJ’s an old f**king f*g," and walked off,' per WKYC.

Hilton has maintained that she never said the derogatory comment.

She said in her statement posted on the WeHo Pride website, '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.'

The mom-of-four continued, 'Pride is, and always will be, about celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, experiences, and achievements. 

'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. 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. 

'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.'

Despite Hilton dropping out of the parade, WeHo Pride's Instagram comment section was still full of dismayed followers who think the organization should choose a different Grand Marshal Icon honoree.

Activist Amber Whittington took to the Instagram post to say, 'Soooo many GAYS that could be chosen! Not honoring someone should NOT be the solution.' 

And a social media user with the handle @midasheart weighed in, 'Or MAYBE just MAYBE pick one of the THOUSANDS of people who have been working in LGBTQ activism and community building for LITERAL DECADES that lives in this city!' 

'I'm sure there's plenty of strong queer role models right here in WeHo that would be happy to sit in the back of a convertible and wav,' said another person.