Hilary Duff Breaks Silence on “Toxic Mom Group” Drama After Ashley Tisdale’s Essay: “This Is Not New for Me”

Hollywood Reporter

by Lexi Carson

February 21, 2026

AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary

Hilary Duff has addressed the ongoing "toxic mom group" drama following Ashley Tisdale's essay about her experiences with a friend circle she felt excluded from. In an interview with the Los Angeles Times, Duff downplayed the situation, stating it’s not new for her, given her long history with public attention since childhood. She acknowledged the challenges of being constantly documented and having her life scrutinized, especially in today's era of social media. Duff also referenced a specific TikTok post that inaccurately portrayed her, highlighting how the spread of information online can be misleading. Tisdale’s essay detailed feeling left out of group activities and gatherings, which she attributed to feeling isolated and reminiscent of high school experiences. She described instances like being seated at the end of a dinner table and not being invited to Instagram Stories, leading her to question her place within the group. After reaching out to other members, Tisdale found mixed reactions, with some attempting to reconcile but ultimately leaving her feeling further distanced. Despite these efforts, she decided it was time to step away from the group, emphasizing that motherhood should be spent with people who truly like and support you. The situation gained more attention when Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, responded on Instagram with a humorous yet pointed post mocking Tisdale’s self-perceived exclusivity. This back-and-forth highlights how public feuds among celebrities can escalate quickly, drawing media scrutiny and fan interest. Both women’s responses underscore the complexities of navigating friendships, especially under the microscope of social media and public opinion. This drama matters to entertainment fans as it reflects the challenges faced by public figures in maintaining personal relationships while managing their reputations. The interplay between privacy, social media, and public perception is a recurring theme for celebrities, making this story

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Originally published on Hollywood Reporter on 2/21/2026