Hilary Duff Breaks Silence On Ashley Tisdale’s Toxic Mom Group

Hilary Duffis completed letting the negative narrative about her fly! 

After Ashley Tisdale published a candid essay about being a part of a parenting circle she described as toxic, fans speculated that the “Lizzie McGuire” alum was amongst those involved.

Greater than two months after the controversy went viral, drawing attention even from Duff’s estranged sister, the actress is finally setting the record straight.

The “How I Met Your Father” star addressed the controversy directly, making it clear that she’s no stranger to public scrutiny and that the rumors were unfounded.

“I mean, this will not be latest for me,” the 38-year-old told the Los Angeles Times in a brand new interview. “I’ve had this since I used to be perhaps 15 and beginning to get followed around by paparazzi.”

Duff explained that being within the highlight meant every detail of her life was documented and dissected. Because of this, stories about her often gain attention in ways most traditional people never experience.

The singer added that social media escalated the story with clickbait spreading half-truths and lies.

“It’s hard because you are like, ‘Wait, whoa, that person form of got it right,’ and ‘Whoa, that person doesn’t know what they’re talking about,'” Duff said before recalling a narrative she saw that shocked her. 

“I saw something that was like, ‘Not one of the mothers in school actually like her and neither do the teachers,’ and I used to be like, ‘To begin with…’” Duff dismissed before praising the ladies in school.

When asked how she shuts out the noise, Duff replied that it “depends upon the day,” but she would normally do something relaxing, like take a hot tub. 

Before Duff confronted the claims, those near her already revealed that she felt she was wrongly represented within the “High School Musical” alum’s article. 

In line with The Blast, the source revealed that Duff and the opposite suspected mothers felt hurt and shocked on the revelation, as their perspectives weren’t told in Tisdale’s story. 

“The mothers insist there was no ‘mean girl’ behavior and say they were genuinely attempting to be there for each other during a very vulnerable time in all of their lives,” the insider shared. 

The source added that the members of the group felt hurt by Tisdale going public, as whatever issue they’d might have been settled privately. 

Duff has since been candid about how she makes friends and maintains relationships with them.

Last November, in an appearance on the “Therapuss” podcast, the “Mature” singer confessed that her approach in her circles is to sort things out while avoiding conflict. 

She went on to reflect on communication, acknowledging that having honest conversations about expectations after a rough patch might be overwhelming. Duff admitted to being in such situations but needed to do them to avoid lingering tensions. 

“I do not need to make anyone feel bad by my actions. I’d relatively have a conversation about it,” she shared, per The Blast. 

As past interviews of Duff discussing how she handles difficult conversations resurfaced, speculation grew about what may need led to tension between her and Tisdale.

Per The Blast, a source near the circle revealed that the rift was attributable to “misalignment of values that Ashley decided to make public.”

One other claimed that Tisdale had long felt disconnected from them, adding that her speaking out was to encourage people to depart toxic relationships.

When fans rumored the conflict was a results of the “Phineas and Ferb” actress’ MAGA beliefs, her rep was quick to shut it down, stating she is a registered Democrat. 

Duff and Tisdale’s alleged rift took a brand new twist when, unexpectedly, Duff’s estranged sister appeared to side with Tisdale. As The Blast previously reported, Tisdale and Haylie’s kids had a playdate, which the moms excitedly shared on Instagram.

Following Haylie’s show of support for Tisdale, Hilary got candid about their strained relationship, which she referenced in her song “We Don’t Talk.”

The “Gossip Girl” alum described their strained bond because the “most lonely a part of my existence.” The sisters haven’t been seen together publicly since 2019, and their social media trail has noticeably faded.