the pride
Burbank Mayor Faces Backlash Over Playful
Intense community pushback prompts Weho Pride to drop Grand Marshal role
West Hollywood Man Charged With Killing Dog, Burglary of Former Roommate’s Home
Video, Cites Critics Anti-LGBTQ+ Bias
West Hollywood reacts to outrage, Kathy Hilton withdraws from Pride Parade.
Mayor Konstantine Anthony Defends Actions Amid Controversy Over Video
By Dolores Quintana
27-Year-Old Suspect Faces Animal Cruelty and Burglary Charges
After a Violent Attack
City leaders addressed the controversy, saying they were grateful for the honest and passionate feedback about what a Pride honoree should actually stand for.
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all in good fun. He went on to reveal that a secretly recorded video was made during the event and subsequently shared with a prominent hate group.
Burbank Mayor Konstantine Anthony is facing criticism from conservatives following the circulation of a video showing him being spanked by a drag queen during an event on the weekend of September 10. Anthony has responded that some of his critics are motivated by anti-LGBTQ+ bias and that the incident was harmless.
reposted the video and garnered over 8 million views.
West Hollywood city leaders and WeHo Pride festival organizers have agreed that there will not be a "Grand Marshal Icon" for Sunday's upcoming Pride Parade following intense community backlash over the choice of Kathy Hilton. The decision, announced jointly by the city, the parade's production team, and Hilton herself, means the massive parade will go off without a main celebrity honoree. The sudden shift comes after days of sharp public debate and pushback from local LGBTQ+ community members who questioned whether the reality TV star truly fit the activist history and civil rights roots of the neighborhood's Pride movement.
Prosecutors have filed multiple felony charges against a 27-year-old man accused of breaking into his former roommate’s West Hollywood apartment, killing the victim’s small dog, and damaging property during the incident.
In the video, posted by the Wisenuts podcast, Mayor Anthony is seen being spanked by a drag artist, backed by the Village People’s “Macho Man.” Anthony described the events as “shenanigans” and emphasized that it was
Anmol Bhatia faces one count each of first-degree residential burglary, felony animal cruelty, and vandalism involving more than $400 in damage. Prosecutors have also alleged that the victim, who is at least 65 years old, was particularly
In an official statement, organizers thanked Hilton for her grace and her continued support of the LGBTQ+ community during the discussions that led to her stepping down. The city noted that Pride is always at its strongest when the event truly mirrors the values, history, and diverse voices of the community itself.
In a post on his Instagram account, Anthony stated, “For several days, extremist right-wing organizations, including Fox News, have spread misleading information to fuel fear, discrimination, and hate. I will always be a proud supporter of the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers.”
He added, “On a busy Saturday filled with various independent gatherings, I attended the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats’ private fundraiser for their organization. Notably, there were no officially endorsed candidates or state and federal political figures present. The event was open to young adults ages 15 and above. However, there were no attendees below 18. Additionally, no children were present.”
The decision won't change the scale of the rest of the parade. The procession down Santa Monica Boulevard is still set to feature nearly 120 individual entries, floats, and local groups celebrating the neighborhood's queer culture.
Kathy Hilton released this statement: “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. 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.
In response to the video, the Libs of TikTok account claimed that children were present at the event. Mayor Anthony disputed this assertion, stating that “actually, there weren’t any children at this private 21+ event. But of course, lying is totally on brand for you.”
While the account correctly pointed out that individuals aged 15 and older were permitted to attend, the event’s organizer, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats, released a statement clarifying that no individuals under the age of 18 were in attendance.
Mayor Anthony reiterated this point during a City Council meeting and expressed his concern that the video’s circulation had led to city officials receiving “some of the most vile hate speech that I have ever seen.”
you about it. There is no reason to involve all of the other people who were not at a public event, not at a government-sponsored event. It
City leaders emphasized that West Hollywood remains dedicated to keeping WeHo Pride a joyful, respectful celebration, and they welcome the ongoing community conversations that help the event grow without losing sight of its original purpose.
While not specifying the particular hate group in question, it is possible that Anthony was referring to the Twitter account, now known as X, called “Libs of TikTok,” which
vulnerable and that Bhatia knew or should have known this at the time of the crime.
The attack occurred around 11:30 p.m. on September 4, when Bhatia allegedly forced his way into the apartment. Investigators said video evidence shows him violently slamming the dog to the ground, stomping on it, and then throwing the lifeless animal off a balcony onto a nearby construction site, where it was
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
later found dead. Authorities also accuse Bhatia of vandalizing property inside the home before fleeing.
Anthony encouraged those with concerns about his actions to communicate with him directly via email at kanthony@burbankca. gov. He stated, “If you want to talk to me about what happened over the weekend, send me an email. Send me an email. I will talk to
Beverly Hills police arrested Bhatia on September 21 following a two-week search.
Bomb Threat Temporarily Halts
He was arraigned on Tuesday at the Airport Courthouse and entered a not guilty plea. Bail was set at $175,000, and a preliminary hearing is scheduled for
October 9.
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. 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.”
In a statement released on Tuesday, the Santa Clarita Valley Democrats voiced their support for Mayor Anthony and strongly denounced the sensationalized and inaccurate portrayal of their event for political purposes that promoted fear, homophobia, transphobia, and bigotry. The Democrats reaffirmed their commitment to the LGBTQ+ community and drag performers, refusing to engage with what they referred to as “fake outrage.”
If convicted on all counts, Bhatia could face up to seven years and eight months in state prison.
Sarah Michelle Gellar and Joel McHale join RuPaul and Drag Race alumni in a hilarious disaster film parody
The case is being handled by the Animal Cruelty Section of the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office and remains under investigation by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department, West Hollywood Station.
WeHo LASD Detectives Seek Possible Additional Victims After Indecent Exposure Arrest
Advance tickets just went on sale for the campiest movie of the summer.
By Dolores Quintana
Sheriffs Say a Man Was Arrested After Allegedly Exposing Himself to a Woman
Bleecker Street and World of Wonder announced Tuesday that tickets are now on sale for their upcoming satirical comedy feature film, Stop! That! Train! scheduled for a nationwide theatrical release on June 12.
Detectives with the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department West Hollywood Station are asking for the public’s help in identifying additional victims following the arrest of a man accused of indecent exposure.
Thomson Hall, where the documentary was set to be screened.
script, which features an ensemble cast led by media personality RuPaul.
Lung stated, “Our standard security measures remained in place during this time, and the screening commenced with a slight delay. To our knowledge, this was a general threat and not directed at the film or the artist.”
with an incident that occurred on Sept. 19, 2025. Investigators said Harrington allegedly approached a woman inside a laundry room and exposed himself before leaving the area. No further confrontation was reported.
Authorities believe there may be other victims who have not yet come forward.
The narrative centers on Tess and DeeDee, portrayed by veteran stage performers Ginger Minj and Jujubee, two working-class rail stewardesses who transition from their routine shifts on a municipal line to employment aboard a luxury high-speed transport named the Glamazonian Express. The plot escalates when a severe weather anomaly, dubbed the "Stormaganza," threatens to derail the transit vehicle as it barrels toward the Los Angeles metropolitan area.
Directed by filmmaker Adam Shankman, known for his work on "Hairspray," and produced by the executive team behind the reality television franchise "RuPaul’s Drag Race." Screenwriters Christina Friel and Connor Wright penned the camp-inspired
Jackie Harrington was taken into custody on Sept. 28, 2025, in connection
The premiere of “Lil Nas X: Long Live Montero” at the Toronto International Film Festival (TIFF) faced a momentary setback on Saturday night due to a bomb threat. Judy Lung, TIFF’s Vice President of Public Affairs and Communications, confirmed to CTV News Toronto via a written statement that the festival was alerted to an investigation “in the vicinity of the red carpet” at Roy
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact West Hollywood Station Detectives at 310-855-8850. Tips may also be submitted anonymously through Crime Stoppers by calling 800-222-TIPS (8477), using the “P3 Tips” mobile app, or visiting lacrimestoppers.org.
To avert a catastrophic collision, the coach-class protagonists must negotiate an alliance with a rival faction of first-class attendants, played by drag artists Symone, Brooke Lynn Hytes, and Marcia Marcia Marcia. RuPaul anchors the political subplot of the disaster parody as a fictional
The investigation remains ongoing.
head of state, President Gagwell.
The film's supporting cast includes the perfect storm of comedic actors, television personalities, and character performers, including Latrice Royale, Monét X Change, Rachel Bloom, Matt Rogers,
McHale.
Sarah Michelle Gellar, Michelle Visage, Chris Parnell, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Charo, Brian Jordan Alvarez, Natasha Leggero, Drew Droege, Raven-Symoné, and Joel
City of West Hollywood announces major road closures and transit details for WeHo Pride weekend
Street restrictions begin Thursday morning, with free shuttle services available to ease festival congestion.
The West Hollywood LASD is urging commuters and festival attendees to plan for significant traffic delays as widespread street closures for the annual WeHo Pride weekend take effect starting Thursday morning.
Main thoroughfares throughout the city will be progressively closed to vehicular traffic to accommodate the multi-day festival and Sunday parade. Most standard traffic restrictions are scheduled to be lifted by Monday morning, June 8, at 7 a.m.
The West Hollywood City Council and local law enforcement have established the following street closure schedule: Scheduled Street Closures
● Thursday, June 4 (Starting at 10 a.m.): North San Vicente Boulevard will close completely between Melrose Avenue and Santa Monica Boulevard.
● Friday, June 5 (Starting at noon): Santa Monica Boulevard will close from La Cienega Boulevard to Doheny Drive. Parallel closures will take effect on North Robertson Boulevard (from Santa Monica to Melrose) and North San Vicente Boulevard (from Santa Monica to Cynthia Street).
● Sunday, June 7 (5 a.m. to 5 p.m.): To accommodate the annual Pride Parade, Santa Monica Boulevard will be shut
from Fairfax Avenue to Doheny Drive. This closure includes all adjacent side streets extending one block north and south of the parade route.
City officials recommend avoiding driving to the festival area, as major municipal lots and parking structures surrounding West Hollywood Park will close to the public beginning Thursday, June 4. Affected facilities include the Five-Story Parking Structure, the Library Garage, the Aquatic and Recreation Center Garage, the Plummer Park South Lot, the Robertson Lot, and the Crescent Heights Lot.
Additionally, West Hollywood Park will remain entirely closed to the general public through June 10 for event production and tear-down operations.
To mitigate gridlock, the city reminds residents and celebrants of the complimentary "Pride Ride" shuttle network. The free service will operate
Friday, June 5, through Sunday, June 7, from 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. nightly, running along Santa Monica Boulevard between La Brea Avenue and Kings Road.
For regional transit connections, select shuttles will link directly to the Metro D Line subway station at Wilshire and La Cienega Boulevards in Beverly Hills. It’s a great time to Ride the D. These trainconnecting shuttles will run from 5 p.m. to midnight, utilizing a dedicated pickup and drop-off zone at Melrose Avenue and Huntley Drive.
Transit coordinators noted that, unlike previous years, there will be no Pride Ride shuttle service to or from the Hollywood/ Highland Metro station.
Real-time travel updates, route maps, and parking information can be found on the official event website at wehopride. com/gettinghere, while regional rail and bus service updates are available at alerts. metro.net.
Westwood Village announces free ‘Love Out
Loud’ Pride Festival on Broxton Avenue
The June 13 afternoon block party features live music, neighborhood vendors, and community programming
Westwood Village will host an allages community festival next month at Broxton Plaza to celebrate Pride Month, neighborhood organizers announced Monday.
Dubbed "Love Out Loud," the free public event is scheduled for Saturday, June 13, 2026, from 1 p.m. to 6 p.m. at 1036 Broxton Avenue. The outdoor celebration is being produced by the Prikli Agency on behalf of the Westwood Village Improvement Association.
The afternoon itinerary features live musical entertainment, curated programming from local community organizations, and a dedicated marketplace showcasing neighborhood vendors and independent makers. A selection of regional food and beverage options will also be available on-site throughout the day.
While admission to the plaza grounds is free, coordinators note that attendees who register an online RSVP will be enrolled
down
Federal Appeals Court Deals Blow to Trump Administration Transgender Military Ban on the First Day of Pride.
Divided D.C. Circuit panel rules the discriminatory policy is unconstitutional, upholding protections for active-duty troops.
Transgender service members secured a major victory Monday as a divided federal appeals court panel ruled that a Trump administration policy barring them from military service is unconstitutional.
The 2-1 decision by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit serves as a significant rebuke to the White House's exclusionary directive.
The ruling largely upholds a March 2025 decision by U.S. District Judge Ana Reyes, who concluded that the administration's efforts to purge transgender personnel from the armed forces likely violate their constitutional rights.
Monday's appellate decision modifies the scope of an existing preliminary injunction won by LGBTQ+ advocacy lawyers on behalf of eight plaintiffs. While the panel maintained vital legal protections for the six active-duty transgender service members currently serving, it excluded two plaintiffs who are currently seeking to enlist. The court also stayed the immediate enforcement of its decision, granting the Department of Justice time to request a review by the full appeals court bench.
The legal battle stems from a hostile January 2025 executive order signed by President Donald Trump, which targeted the transgender community by claiming that their sexual and gender identity conflicts with military readiness and a
"disciplined lifestyle." Following the directive, Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth instituted a discriminatory Pentagon policy establishing a presumptive disqualification from service for individuals diagnosed with gender dysphoria.
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LGBTQ advocates have fiercely condemned the policy, pointing out that gender dysphoria, the psychological distress resulting from an incongruence between a person's assigned sex at birth and their gender identity, is an entirely treatable medical condition.
The litigation follows a controversial U.S. Supreme Court decision last year that permitted the administration's restrictions
to take effect provisionally while challenges progressed through the lower courts. A parallel lawsuit filed in Washington state similarly resulted in a ruling favoring the plaintiffs who are contesting the policy.
Writing in dissent, conservative Judge Justin Walker argued that the judiciary should not intervene in executive branch personnel decisions. Walker stated that federal judges lack the authority to secondguess administrative determinations regarding military composition.
Despite the dissent, LGBTQ+ advocates are celebrating the majority ruling as a critical step toward securing long-term workplace protections and equality for transgender individuals who put their lives on the line for the nation.
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Growing Culver City Pride Festival prepares for record turnout this year
Volunteer-led festival evolves for the sixth annual outdoor celebration
Anticipating their largest turnout to date, organizers of the sixth annual Culver City Pride Festival have unveiled a larger outdoor layout for this year's celebration at Town Plaza at The Culver Steps.
The signature volunteer-led festival will take place on Saturday, June 27, 2026, from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. in the heart of downtown Culver City, at the Town Plaza at The Culver Steps. Following a record-setting turnout of more than 1,000 participants last year, coordinators modified the event's physical footprint to provide increased space for dancing, new art installations, and dedicated public relaxation areas.
Unlike many larger regional pride events, the Culver City festival maintains a distinct focus on local environmental initiatives and neighborhood mobility. The evening’s programming features live stage performances, local guest speakers, DJ sets, community information booths, and interactive exhibits showcasing regional businesses and artists.
The event has evolved significantly since its inception, from a localized neighborhood gathering to a prominent municipal tradition that reflects the diversity of the Westside.
Admission to the five-hour festival remains free to the public, though organizers have introduced online registration options to streamline entry at the Culver City Pride website. Attendees can reserve a standard
complimentary RSVP ticket or opt for a donation-based, "pay-what-you-can" tier. All ticket proceeds directly benefit the festival's operating organization to ensure the event's long-term accessibility.
Billionaire Stephen Cloobeck arrested in West Hollywood on witness intimidation charges
The former gubernatorial candidate allegedly tried to dissuade witnesses from testifying against his influencer fiancée, who faces multiple theft felonies.
Hospitality mogul and former California gubernatorial candidate Stephen Cloobeck surrendered to authorities Tuesday following a felony warrant accusing him of witness intimidation, law enforcement officials confirmed.
Cloobeck, 64, turned himself in at the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department’s West Hollywood station and was released hours later after posting $300,000 bail.
The arrest stems from a criminal complaint filed in April by the Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office. The filing charges Cloobeck with three felony counts of attempting to dissuade a witness and one misdemeanor count of making annoying telephone calls.
According to law enforcement sources
and court records, Cloobeck allegedly targeted victims and witnesses connected to the active criminal prosecution of his fiancée, Adva Lavie. Lavie, an influencer and model who uses the online alias "Mia Ventura," was charged in November 2025 with eight felony counts involving identity theft and residential burglary targeting men
she met online.
While a judge dismissed two counts against Lavie during a preliminary hearing, she pleaded not guilty to the remaining six charges in April and remains free on her own recognizance pending trial.
Cloobeck, a prominent political donor, previously drew national scrutiny for hosting and financing a Beverly Hills mansion residency for former U.S. Rep. Eric Swalwell. Swalwell later resigned from Congress following an unrelated campaign collapse tied to misconduct allegations.
The multi-agency investigation into Cloobeck's alleged intimidation campaign remains ongoing, led jointly by the Los Angeles Police Department and the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department.
Mubi announces a North American screening tour for Jane Schoenbrun’s new film
Following its Cannes debut, "Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma" will hit six cities with star Hannah Einbinder ahead of its theatrical release.
Global cinematic distributor MUBI has announced a multi-city North American screening tour for director Jane Schoenbrun’s upcoming feature film, Teenage Sex and Death at Camp Miasma, ahead of its late-summer theatrical release.
Synopsis: “After years of slapdash sequels and waning fandom, the Camp Miasma slasher franchise is handed over to an enthusiastic young director for resurrection. But when she visits the original's star, a now-reclusive actress shrouded in mystery, the two women fall into a blood-soaked world of desire, fear, and delirium.”
The promotional circuit, titled the "Camp is in Session" tour, follows the movie's international premiere as the opening selection for the Un Certain Regard section at the Cannes Film Festival. Schoenbrun and lead actress Hannah Einbinder will travel across the United States and Canada for a series of advanced preview screenings and interactive audience Q&A sessions.
Scheduled for a wide theatrical rollout in the United States on August 7, 2026, the film features a high-profile ensemble
cast led by Emmy Award-winning actresses Einbinder and Gillian Anderson. Supporting cast members include Amanda Fix, Arthur Conti, Eva Victor, Zach Cherry, Sarah Sherman, Patrick Fischler, Dylan Baker, Jasmin Savoy Brown, Kevin McDonald, Quintessa Swindell, and Jack Haven.
The promotional tour will visit major cultural and regional hubs, including New York, San Francisco, Portland, Montreal, Provincetown, and Medfield, Massachusetts. Full information is available at the website campisinsession. com.
The production was financed and managed under the Plan B production banner, with Academy Award-winning producers Dede Gardner and Jeremy Kleiner overseeing the project alongside Schoenbrun, who both wrote and directed the feature.
The movie represents Schoenbrun's fourth feature-length project. The director previously gained critical acclaim in the
independent film circuit for "I Saw the TV Glow" in 2024 and "We’re All Going to the World’s Fair" in 2021, following a 2018 documentary debut, "A Self-Induced Hallucination."
City of Long Beach allegedly cancels historic Pride Festival over safety permits; Organizers condemn decision
City cited missing infrastructure and electrical plans, Long Beach Pride leaders argue the cancellation strips away a
vital LGBTQ+ sanctuary.
Long Beach Pride leaders are condemning the city's abrupt cancellation of the 42nd annual Long Beach Pride Festival as a devastating blow to LGBTQ+ visibility, though municipal officials maintain the historic event was halted solely due to catastrophic public safety and permitting failures by organizers.
The 100% volunteer-run festival, which was scheduled to begin its three-day run Friday at 5 p.m. with a dedicated "Teen Pride" night, was officially denied its operating permit by city administrators on Thursday evening.
Long Beach Pride organizers expressed deep disappointment over the closure, framing the city's decision as a failure of leadership at a time when the queer community faces escalating political attacks nationwide.
City administrators, however, stated that the cancellation was unavoidable due to a persistent lack of required operational documentation from the independent group.
According to the city's Special Events
Connie & Ted’s in West Hollywood to close permanently after 13 years
The critically acclaimed New England-style seafood destination on Santa Monica Boulevard will shut its doors soon.
Renowned West Hollywood seafood destination Connie & Ted’s will permanently close its doors this summer after nearly 13 years of operation.
The restaurant, located at 8171 Santa Monica Blvd., announced it will cease operations on July 1. Management cited the upcoming closure as the conclusion
of a remarkable run that transformed a New England-style concept into a central gathering place for the West Hollywood community.
Founded as an homage to the ownership team's Rhode Island roots and a passion for deep-sea fishing, Connie & Ted’s earned critical acclaim for its dedication to responsibly sourced sustainable seafood. Over more than a decade, the eatery became a neighborhood staple famous for its raw bar, classic lobster rolls, and midcenturymodern fish-shack architecture.
In a statement released to patrons, the Connie & Ted's team expressed gratitude for the community's support through various celebrations, game days, and everyday milestones.
The establishment will maintain its regular dining service over the next several weeks, inviting long-time guests and regulars to return for a final visit before the July closure.
team, organizers failed to submit critical infrastructure blueprints, electrical staging setups, tent construction safety plans, and mandatory emergency exit layouts despite multiple extended deadlines.
While the ticketed festival grounds remain closed, the city-funded Long Beach Pride Parade remains completely unaffected and will proceed as scheduled on Sunday, May 17, at 10 a.m. Boasting 141 entries, the upcoming parade marks
the largest in the city’s history. Long Beach officials confirmed that all local vendors and small businesses that purchased special health or business licenses for the festival will receive immediate, automatic refunds from the city. Patrons seeking refunds for general admission festival tickets, sponsorships, or independent vendor fees are instructed to contact Long Beach Pride directly at 562987-9191.
