Hilary Duff Hints at Past Friendships Severances Amid Ashley Tisdale’s Viral Essay
Hilary Duff discussed severing connections with acquaintances months prior to the controversy surrounding Ashley Tisdale French’s essay detailing a “problematic” mothers’ circle.
During a November 2025 appearance on the “Therapuss” podcast, when questioned about whether “trusting people [was] challenging” for her from a young age, Duff, 38, responded, “Yes, there were a few individuals where I felt, ‘I don’t believe that person is reliable.’”
“I’ve consistently possessed a strong ability to assess people. I believe it’s a natural talent I have. I have wonderful friends, and it doesn’t take me long to understand someone or realize that they aren’t a good fit for me,” she continued, mentioning that she didn’t “move within a large group of famous people” while growing up. “I think that was also very beneficial for my well-being back then. I wasn’t, like, frequently partying with other teenage stars and that sort of thing.”
Elsewhere on the podcast, host Jake Shane inquired whether Duff would describe herself as “the mom” of her friend group, to which she conceded that she was — but added that people don’t always approach her with their concerns.
Haylie Duff Shows Support for Ashley Tisdale Amid Hilary Duff Drama
“I think that many of us create that space for each other, where we can share our problems, but I’m simply very direct. Perhaps a bit too much at times,” she said, adding that she doesn’t “enjoy arguing with people” but doesn’t “like to leave issues unresolved.”
She continued, “That frustrates me. It affects every aspect of my life, so I need to address my own issues.”
Duff then observed that a “friendship ending” can “potentially be worse than a romantic breakup.” Duff explained that sometimes “you need to reassess your friendships,” adding, “It’s acceptable to make changes. But you feel guilty when you’re doing it.”
“You simply have to accept it and say, ‘I can’t support you in this way right now. It feels overwhelming. And, etcetera. Like, I need some space,’ ” she said. “I’ve had to do it a few times. I always strive to ensure my actions don’t cause anyone distress. I’d prefer to have a conversation about it.”
Matthew Koma and More Stars React to Ashley Tisdale’s Mom Group Drama
Duff’s remarks have since resurfaced following French’s January 1 essay for The Cut — where she wrote about feeling excluded by an unnamed group of mothers in her California neighborhood — going viral.
While French didn’t specify the mothers’ group she was referencing, speculation began that she was alluding to friendships with fellow celebrities Duff, Mandy Moore, Meghan Trainor and others.
French’s representative denied the rumors in a Monday, January 5, statement to TMZ. The representative also noted that French intended her piece to highlight a concern that other women and mothers could relate to. (Us Weekly reached out to Duff and French’s teams for comment at the time.)
In the wake of the drama, Duff’s husband, Matthew Koma, commented on the High School Musical star’s essay by promoting his own fictional article with The Cut.
“A mothers’ group exposé through a father’s perspective,” Koma, 38, wrote via his Instagram Story on Tuesday, January 6. “When you’re the most self-absorbed and insensitive person on earth, other mothers tend to shift their focus to their actual toddlers.”
Ashley’s husband, Christopher French, also seemingly offered his viewpoint on the drama by sharing a cryptic quote to his Instagram Story on Tuesday that read, “It’s your choice whether or not to get involved.”
