Credit: Bravo
While Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton was set to be the Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride, she ended up stepping aside due to backlash over her alleged MAGA politics.
“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 in a statement. “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.
“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,” she continued.
Kathy added, “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.”
TMZ caught up with Kathy to get her reaction to what happened with the Pride event.
“I’ve been involved with the community for a long, long time. And when people make some noise, what can you do?” she said. “I’ve been supporting them. We started, you know, with Dr. Mathilde Krim and Elizabeth Taylor in 1983. So, I’ve always been – and, you know, hosted GLAAD at my home three different times with hundreds of people, and attend all the events. And so, I want them to have the best day, and they have my support. And what can I say?”
Kathy’s sister, Kyle Richards, took to her Instagram Story to come to her defense.
“My sister Kathy has always been a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to be,” she wrote. “As far as ‘MAGA ties,’ just because you are acquainted with or have associated with someone in the past or present does not mean you share their political views. The WeHo Pride Parade is a happy, celebratory day. I respect my sister’s decision for not wanting to be a distraction on a day that belongs to the LGBTQIA+ community. Happy Pride!”
Jennifer Tilly also took to Instagram to support Kathy, writing, “I stand with Kathy. Nobody works harder and more tirelessly to give back to the community than @kathyhilton. She has repeatedly opened her home, her heart, and her pocketbook for LGBTQ+ causes. I’ve attended GLAAD award parties at her house, her annual Children’s hospital event at the Abbey, and she has been a longtime supporter of @projectangelfood. Kathy is an ally and an advocate. ❤️”
People took to the comments on Jennifer’s post, with one person saying they “stand with” Kathy.
“She’s not a bad choice she just wasn’t the right one for this year,” they continued. “And I respect the heck out of the way she has accepted that. That’s what an ally does. They listen and support. This just reinforces her position in the community 🌈”
“Unfortunately the times have moved in and being an ally no longer means throwing fundraisers and just having gay friends, it’s political and it means actually standing up against something instead of just giving something,” another Instagram user insisted.
“What you’re describing are tax write offs and photo ops; an ally that does not make,” a third person wrote to Jennifer. “We need people who stand up this regime with and for us. Not those who visit their homes and have dinner with them. -ick! She doesn’t get to have it both ways. And listen, I like Kathy just fine. A representative for our community she is NOT.”