WeHo Pride replaces Grand Marshal Icon Kathy Hilton with nobody after backlash

After the withdrawal of at least one group of marchers and a frenzy of complaints, there will be no Grand Marshal Icon at the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade, say the event's organizers, West Hollywood leaders, and former honoree Kathy Hilton.

Hilton, the socialite heiress turned Real Housewives reality star and mother to Paris and Nicky Hilton, sidestepped controversy over her selection in her part of the statement, issued jointly by city and parade officials.

“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,” Hilton 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.”

Officials quoted by WeHo Times said community members had shared “thoughtful feedback.” As Out reported last month, that feedback included unsubstantiated accusations that Hilton voted for President Donald Trump, and is at the very least a supporter of Trump, and that she reportedly used the "F" slur in front of her former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills co-star Erika Jayne.

Hilton has denied the allegation, but Jayne claimed Hilton used the homophobic slur during a cast trip to Aspen. She later vowed she “will never back down from the truth of what happened that night at the club in Aspen,” according to the NY Post.

On Wednesday, Indigenous Pride LA posted on Instagram that it canceled its participation in the June 7 parade, stating Hilton was the wrong choice to represent Pride.

“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,” the group wrote in its Instagram statement.

Other social media comments criticizing Hilton's selection included “No Republicans at Pride” and “She is MAGA.” Out gay influencer and podcaster Tyler Oakley joined the pile-on in a tweet to his 4.2 million followers on X.

WeHo officials played the "We Go High" card amid all that criticism.

"The City of West Hollywood has always believed that Pride belongs to the community,” its part of the joint statement said. “Since 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.”

The organizers also thanked residents and advocates for what they called "respectful dialogue" about the future of the event.

“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,” the statement said.

Hilton also addressed her longstanding role as an ally and briefly addressed the social media "dialogue," calling it "thoughtful."

"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.”

In the end, Hilton was granted a discreet exit with a closing thank you from the city and WeHo Pride.

"The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride Parade organizers thank Kathy Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community."

Read the full joint statement by clicking here.