Hilary Duff is speaking out after Ashley Tisdale’s viral “Toxic Mom Group” essay sparked headlines earlier this year. The 38-year-old pop star reflected on the timing of the essay, her feelings of being misrepresented, and her husband, Matthew Koma’s, unexpected reaction as she navigates the fallout from the controversial piece and a strained sisterly bond.
Hilary Duff Reacts to Ashley Tisdale’s Toxic Mom Essay
During a Feb. 25 appearance on the Call Her Daddy podcast, Duff opened up about her response to Ashley Tisdale’s essay, “Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group”, which did not name specific members but referenced a celebrity mom circle. “I felt really sad. I honestly felt really sad,” she admitted.
The singer explained that the essay’s timing made it worse as she was set to go on a tour after releasing her first album in a decade:
“It came at the craziest time where I was like, the timing felt not great and I felt used.”
Highlighting how it impacted other women, she added, “It sucks to read something that’s, like, not true. And it sucks on behalf of, like, six women in all of their lives.”
Duff also addressed her husband, Matthew Koma, and his viral reaction to Tisdale’s essay, a post in which he mocked the piece’s tone. “Honestly, everything he does makes me laugh. So I was like, ‘Oh my God. Oh my God.’ But I also don’t censor him, and I don’t tell him what he can and can’t post. He is so, like, fierce for me, and, like, I love him for that.”
Despite the controversy, Duff name-checked friends like Meghan Trainor and Mandy Moore, showing she remains on good terms with them.
Reflecting on a Strained Sisterly Bond Amid ‘Toxic Group’ Drama
While Duff handles the mom group drama publicly, she is also confronting private family tension with her sister, Haylie Duff. According to E! News, the former child star hasn’t been photographed with Haylie since 2019, and her 2026 album hints at the emotional distance the in the ‘We Don’t Talk‘ track.
Hilary reflected on their past closeness and shared parenting experiences, but she recognizes some aspects are beyond her control. Social media comments poured in from fans experiencing a strained sibling relationship, praising Duff for speaking her truth. One commenter said:
“As someone who has a challenging relationship with their sibling as well, I know these fraught relationships can be incredibly hard to navigate. It’s a reminder that family doesn’t have to be blood, but the people you choose.”
Another added: “I’m so sorry. Siblings can be your best friends or worst enemies.” The sadness on her face when talking about the issue also caught fans’ attention. “Aw the pain in her face is so sad :(,” said one user.
The best advice one can get in situations like this is to let love lead, but don’t lose yourself in the process. From viral essays to family rifts, Hilary Duff shows strength in sharing her truth.
