Kyle Richards Defends Her Sister Kathy Hilton After She Steps Down From Pride Parade Role

Kyle Richards is throwing her support behind her sister, Kathy Hilton.

Posting via her Instagram Story on Friday, June 5, Richards, 57, defended HIlton, 67, after she stepped down as the grand marshal of the West Hollywood Pride Parade due to backlash from the LGBTQIA+ community.

“My sister Kathy has always been a supporter of the LGBTQIA+ community and will continue to be,” Richards wrote in the post. “As far as ‘MAGA ties’, just because you are acquainted with or associated with or associated with someone in the past or present, does not mean you share their political views.”

Richards continued, “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!”

Much of the criticism of Hilton’s was around her past association with President Donald Trump. Although she has never shared whether she has voted for Trump, 79, Kathy and her husband, Rick Hilton, socialized with the Trumps in the past.

Hilton announced on Wednesday, June 3, that she would relinquish her role in the annual pride parade.

“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. Pride is, and always will be, about celebrating and uplifting LGBTQ+ voices, experiences, and achievements.”

Her statement went on, “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.”

“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,” she continued. “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.”