Controversy Arises as ‘Housewives’ Star Kathy Hilton’s Remarks Lead to Pride Group Withdrawal from Major Event

A major Los Angeles Pride organization has decided to withdraw from the 2026 West Hollywood Pride Parade due to the selection of “Real Housewives of Beverly Hills” star Kathy Hilton as this year’s Grand Marshal Icon.

The Indigenous Pride LA Board expressed their discontent through a detailed Instagram post, criticizing Hilton’s inclusion in the parade scheduled for June 7. The board argued that many members feel the reality TV star is not an appropriate representative for the LGBTQ+ community.

“Many individuals within our Two-Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ networks believe this year’s Grand Marshal choice does not reflect the values, lived experiences, and spirit of Pride that we strive to promote,” the statement emphasized.

The group clarified that their stance is not against Pride celebrations as a whole but is focused on maintaining “Pride spaces that are inclusive, accountable, and reflective of the diverse communities they serve.”

The announcement highlighted that their decision to withdraw was guided by the voices of their community members.

In their closing remarks, the group urged future organizers of the West Hollywood Parade to “continue engaging in thoughtful and inclusive processes,” stressing the importance of qualities such as “character, values, demonstrated commitment, meaningful engagement, and positive impact within the broader LGBTQPAI+ community” when selecting future Grand Marshal Icons.

Indigenous Pride LA describes itself as the only “LA Pride organization and event that celebrates Two Spirit, Indigiqueer, and Indigenous LGBTQPAI+ culture, identities, and heritage.”

Other members of the LGBTQ+ community who were upset about Hilton included reasons like her alleged political ties to President Donald Trump and her alleged politics, according to comments on social media.

Comments like “No Republicans at Pride,” and “She is MAGA” appeared on social media posts by those upset over Hilton’s selection.

There was also a past allegation from Hilton’s then-“RHOBH” co-star Erika Giardi who claimed that off camera during the reunion shoot in Aspen she used a “homophobic slur” to allegedly describe someone that the “cast was around earlier in the season,” per TMZ.

Hilton denied it happened, but Giardi doubled-down on the accusations and said she “will never back down from the truth of what happened that night at the club in Aspen,” per People.

In the announcement about HIlton, the WeHo Pride and City of West Hollywood described her as an ally of the LGBTQ+ community.

“WeHo Pride has always been rooted in visibility and the power of people using their platforms to uplift others, and this year’s Icons embody that spirit in meaningful ways,” City of West Hollywood Mayor John Heilman said.

“Kathy Hilton’s longstanding allyship, alongside the representation championed by Quinton Peron, Napoleon Jinnies, and the Los Angeles Rams Cheer Squad, reflects the mission at the heart of the WeHo Pride.”

“Hilton consistently uses her platform to champion LGBTQ+ rights while embracing and celebrating queer culture both on and off screen,” it added.

Following a backlash over her being selected, the city released a statement about the reactions and defended Hilton’s support of the community.

“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 to WeHo Times read.

At the same time, the city said concerns from members of the community “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 statement added.

The California Post reached out to the City of West Hollywood and the Indigenous Pride LA group for comment.