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Gabourey Sidibe Criticizes Kathy Hilton's 'Precious' Comment as Racist
Actress says Hilton's misidentification of Lizzo reflects a larger issue of misidentifying Black plus-size women.
Feb. 7, 2026 at 9:55pm
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Actress Gabourey Sidibe recently criticized Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star Kathy Hilton for a 2022 television comment where Hilton appeared to misidentify singer Lizzo as 'Precious,' a name strongly associated with Sidibe's breakout role. Sidibe described the experience as 'strange' and 'tinged with racism,' noting she has been confused for other Black plus-size women, which she finds 'dehumanizing'.
Why it matters
This incident highlights the complexities of public perception and the potential for seemingly harmless comments to carry deeper implications, particularly regarding race and body image. The repeated misidentification speaks to a broader cultural tendency to categorize individuals based on limited characteristics.
The details
During a 2022 episode of Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Hilton, 66, was shown a photo of Lizzo and responded, 'Precious?' She then explained, 'That's what I call her. Her nickname's Precious to me.' Hilton initially attributed the mistake to poor eyesight and the format of the game, later saying she felt 'terrible' and meant no harm.
- In 2022, Kathy Hilton made the 'Precious' comment on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen.
The players
Gabourey Sidibe
An actress who received an Oscar nomination for her performance in the 2009 film Precious.
Kathy Hilton
A star of the reality TV show The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills.
Lizzo
A popular singer and performer.
What they’re saying
“I've been confused for many Black plus-size women. It's always weird and sometimes it feels tinged with racism.”
— Gabourey Sidibe, Actress (One54 Africa podcast)
“Lizzo minds her own business but all people do is make her a joke.”
— Kalen Allen, TV personality (Twitter)
The takeaway
This incident highlights the broader cultural tendency to categorize individuals based on limited characteristics, particularly when it comes to race and body image. It underscores the need for greater awareness and sensitivity in how we perceive and identify others, moving beyond harmful stereotypes.
