Robert Vecchio didn’t mince words. “This decision feels tone-deaf to the challenges LGBTQ+ people are facing right now,” the West Hollywood resident said. “Pride should center and uplift those actively supporting and defending our community.”
He wasn’t alone. Since the City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride producer JJLA announced Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the June 7 parade, the reaction has been sustained and sharp. Social media criticism has been building for days. Out.com ran a full explainer on the controversy. The parade is Sunday.
The City responded to the blowback Monday afternoon. “The City of West Hollywood recognizes that the selection of Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has generated a range of opinions and emotions within our community,” the statement said. “We understand that Pride is deeply personal and meaningful, and we respect the diverse perspectives that have been expressed.” The City said parade Icons are selected “in recognition of their visibility, allyship, and support for the LGBTQ+ community” and acknowledged that “concerns raised by West Hollywood residents, stakeholders, and LGBTQ+ community members are important and deserve to be heard.” The statement added: “We are listening.” Full statement below.
The City’s original announcement described Hilton as “a vocal and visible supporter of the community” who “consistently uses her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights.” Mayor John Heilman said her “longstanding allyship” reflected “the mission at the heart of WeHo Pride.” She and Rick Hilton have also hosted GLAAD events at their home.
Critics weren’t buying it. The objections center on Hilton’s documented history with President Donald Trump. In 2004, she and her husband Rick Hilton hosted a party for Trump to celebrate the premiere of “The Apprentice.” In 2022, she was photographed at a Super Bowl party at his Mar-a-Lago residence. Her RHOBH costar Lisa Rinna publicly called her out at the time for skipping filming of the show’s Season 12 finale to attend. Hilton has never said publicly whether she voted for Trump.
That same year brought a second controversy. At the RHOBH Season 12 reunion, costar Erika Jayne alleged Hilton used a homophobic slur while complaining about a DJ during a cast trip to Aspen. Hilton denied it. Bravo investigated. Host Andy Cohen said the result was inconclusive. One person’s word against another’s.
The City’s case for Hilton rests in part on her years of involvement with The Abbey, the iconic West Hollywood gay bar. She’s co-hosted the venue’s annual “Christmas in September” toy drive benefiting Children’s Hospital Los Angeles for years, including as recently as September 2025. Not everyone objected. Actress Jennifer Tilly, who has appeared alongside Hilton at The Abbey’s annual toy drive, commented “Hooray!” on the WeHo Pride announcement post.
Some critics have also called the selection a retread. We’ve heard from residents asking why did they select Kathy again. Problem is, they have their history confused. Hilton was not the Grand Marshal in 2005. That year, her daughter Paris Hilton held the title. Kathy just rode alongside her.
Vecchio said the broader frustration runs deeper than the choice itself. “Given today’s political climate and ongoing attacks on LGBTQ+ rights — especially transgender rights — the decision to spotlight,” Vecchio said. “When LGBTQ+ people, particularly trans people, are facing increasing hostility and harmful policies, Pride should center and uplift those actively supporting and defending our community.”
Hilton will be joined at the parade by Trailblazer Icons Quinton Peron, Napoleon Jinnies, and the current Los Angeles Rams Cheerleaders. Peron and Jinnies made history as the first male cheerleaders in the NFL. The parade steps off at noon on Santa Monica Boulevard.
City of West Hollywood’s statement:
The City of West Hollywood recognizes that the selection of Kathy Hilton as Grand Marshal Icon for the 2026 WeHo Pride Parade has generated a range of opinions and emotions within our community. We understand that Pride is deeply personal and meaningful, and we respect the diverse perspectives that have been expressed.
WeHo Pride Parade Icons are selected in recognition of their visibility, allyship, and support for the LGBTQ+ community. Kathy Hilton has publicly supported LGBTQ+ causes and visibility, including through her participation in GLAAD events and initiatives. At the same time, we acknowledge that concerns raised by West Hollywood residents, stakeholders, and LGBTQ+ community members are important and deserve to be heard.
We are listening. We believe that WeHo Pride is strengthened by open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to equality and inclusion.
The City of West Hollywood remains committed to ensuring that WeHo Pride is a celebration rooted in visibility, inclusion, and respect, and we welcome respectful conversations that help WeHo Pride and our community continue to grow and evolve.
This is exactly why we don’t go to PRIDE, or other gay events any more. While I am a political Independent (who can’t stand Trump and votes mostly Democrat) my husband is a Republican. We don’t talk politics — however, the LGBTQ+ community can’t do anything but exclude one of us. Those letters need to be renamed DOLGBTQ+ (Democrats Only LGBTQ+). This news only underscores the division across the country and adds to that.
She and her husband sent her daughter Paris to the Provo Canyon School and others. These are cult-like “troubled teen” places you send your badly raised kid to so you can forget about them. Paris suffered abuse! Some mother!
Yet another example of why Pride is failing across the nation. #1. she’s not gay. #2 she’s a rich republican. #3 We are currently under attack and she’s not a warrior; #4 The entire thing nauseates me and I’m glad I’m not going or performing.
What has Trump done that gays hate him?
more republican in weho means a safer weho
Kathy Hilton was already a Grand Marshall of Pride, along with Paris, obviously Pride producers had to scramble. This choice isn’t inspired nor newsworthy, just tired and 3rd class. A big sad slip. A better, newsworthy and inspired Grand Marshall selection would be Anthony Vulin and his husband who along with their baby son were targeted by MAGA on the streets of West Hollywood. This would have made a real statement of Pride and Solidarity. Instead we’re given tired and done.
I agree. This is so boring.
Yes yes! The Vulin Family, should be the Grand Marshal !
“The Abbey, the iconic West Hollywood gay bar”. It’s been basically straight for a long while.
It doesn’t seem like a lot of imagination went into the process of selecting a relevant Grand Marshal. They could have considered Mayor John Heilman who will be retiring in January after 40 plus years of leadership.
There are a lot of under recognized folks toiling in our non-profits who probably deserve recognition. Meaning no disrespect, there could have been a more relevant choice.
OMG. Enough people. Just stop. What about- love is love. Aren’t we all about being inclusive. Just don’t say it. Live it. No two people think exactly alike. People sound nasty, petty, and immature. Stop the crap. Get over yourself.