Is Kathy Hilton just “cockamamie” and zany, or is there something much more powerful going on behind the scenes?
That’s exactly what came up when Lisa Rinna appeared on Let’s Talk with Kelly Ripa on February 17, 2026. During the interview, Kelly didn’t hold back, bringing up the long-running speculation that people in Beverly Hills seem genuinely afraid of Kathy.
Kelly pointed out that people often say they’re a little intimidated by Kathy, adding that she can’t tell if it’s because “she’s a little cockamamie, she’s a little zany?” In other words — is it eccentricity, or something deeper?
So what are viewers missing?
According to Rinna, a lot.
“You’re missing the Hiltons run the social part of LA in a lot of ways. In New York too,” Lisa said bluntly. “For 30 years, they have been at the top of the social world.”
That’s not exactly the description of someone who’s just quirky comic relief.
Rinna’s comments suggest that Kathy’s power isn’t about what we see on reality TV — it’s about decades of influence behind the velvet rope. The Hilton name has long been synonymous with elite guest lists, charity galas, and high-society connections in both Los Angeles and New York. And if you control the room, you control the narrative.
Kelly then asked the question that fans have been wondering for years: do the Hiltons really have the power to cut people out?
“Can they cut them out of things? Do they have that level of power?” Kelly asked.
“Yes, they can,” Rinna replied.
Whether you see Kathy as lovable and quirky or quietly commanding the room, one thing is clear: Lisa Rinna wants fans to understand that the Hilton name carries weight, and not just on camera.