NEED TO KNOW
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Kathy Hilton will no longer serve as the honorary grand marshal of the 2026 WeHo Pride parade.
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West Hollywood officials said the Hilton Hotel, parade organizers and city officials mutually agreed to waive the designation after receiving public feedback.
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Hilton said her support for the LGBTQ+ community remains "unwavering" and wished participants "a fantastic weekend at the West Hollywood Pride Parade.".
Kathy Hilton will no longer be the honorary grand marshal of the 2026 WeHo Pride parade, she and organizers announced four days before the annual celebration.
In a joint statement released by the city of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride organizers on Wednesday, June 4, officials said that after "thoughtful discussions," Hilton, 67, and parade organizers mutually agreed that the parade will not appoint an honorary grand marshal this year.
«"The announcement of Kathy Hilton as the grand marshal for the 2026 WeHo Pride parade has resonated widely within our community," the statement read. "In recent days, community members have shared insightful feedback about the role and significance of the individuals honored in the Pride parade.".
City officials said they were «grateful for the respectful and candid dialogue that took place,» adding that these conversations «underscore the importance of WeHo Pride continuing to honor the history, values, and diverse voices of the LGBTQ+ community.».
«"Because Pride has always been a part of the community, after careful consideration, the City of West Hollywood, the WeHo Pride organizing team, and Kathy Hilton have concluded that the 2026 WeHo Pride parade will not feature a Grand Marshal honor," the statement read.
Hilton also commented directly on the decision.
«"I'm honored to be nominated for this award, and I'm grateful for the support I've received from community members over the years," she said. "The reason I wanted to participate in WeHo Pride Weekend this year is simple: to celebrate, support, and share the joy of a community that means so much to so many people.".
Former reality show participant «The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills» Hilton emphasized her long-standing support of the LGBTQ+ community, noting her involvement with GLAAD initiatives and events, as well as organizations such as the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation, God's Love We Deliver, and Project Angel Food. "My support for the community and WeHo Pride is unwavering," Hilton added. "This incredibly important event has always held a special place in my heart, and I will forever cherish the experience I had serving as grand marshal of the LA Pride parade with my daughter in 2005.".
She concluded by thanking the organizers and wishing participants "all the love, joy, and a fantastic West Hollywood Pride weekend.".
The City of West Hollywood and WeHo Pride organizers thanked Hilton for her "grace" and support. "WeHo Pride is strengthened through open dialogue, mutual respect, and a shared commitment to inclusivity," the statement read.
WeHo Pride organizers announced Hilton would be attending the event on Thursday, May 28. Some Instagram users expressed their displeasure under the post about the organizers not choosing "someone from our community" to be the parade's chief ushers, questioning what Hilton "has done for the community" and calling her a "very strange choice." Others cited a previous scandal, when Hilton's former Real Housewives co-stars Beverly Hills »" accused her of using a homophobic slur, which she denies.
Read the original article on People.