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.” See on Instagram 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. See on Instagram Other social media comments criticizing Hilton's selection included “No Republicans