Hilary Duff Responds to Ashley Tisdale’s ‘Toxic Mom Group’ Essay: ‘I Felt Used’

Hilary Duff is speaking out after Ashley Tisdale’s viral essay about leaving what she described as a “toxic mom group” sparked intense online speculation.

In January, Tisdale published “Breaking Up with My Toxic Mom Group” in The Cut, writing about feeling excluded, emotionally sidelined and left out of social plans — including an event allegedly organised during her daughter’s birthday party. Though she didn’t name names, internet sleuths quickly linked the story to a celebrity mom circle that previously included Duff, Meghan Trainor, Mandy Moore and others.

“I Felt Sad. I Felt Used.”

Appearing on the Call Her Daddy on February 25, Duff addressed the controversy directly when asked by host Alex Cooper. The actress-singer admitted the essay left her feeling “really sad” and “taken aback,” saying the portrayal did not reflect her experience.

“It’s hard to read something that’s not true,” Duff said, adding that she felt it also misrepresented other women in the group.

The 38-year-old — who shares a son with her former husband and three daughters with musician Matthew Koma — explained that she maintains long-standing friendships while also being part of multiple mom circles because of her four children.

“I have my ride-or-dies of 10 to 20 years,” she said. “And then I have lots of different mom groups. That’s just life.”

“The Timing Was Crazy”

Duff also revealed that the essay surfaced during a particularly hectic moment in her career. She recently released her sixth studio album — her first full-length project in over a decade — and is preparing to head out on tour.

• “The timing felt not great,” she said. “I felt used.”
• Matthew Koma’s Playful Defense

While Duff initially stayed silent, her husband, Matthew Koma, responded with a tongue-in-cheek Instagram Story parodying the essay’s magazine feature.

Duff said she had no idea he planned to post it.

“Everything he does makes me laugh,” she shared. “I don’t tell him what he can and can’t post. He’s very fierce for me, and I love him for that.”

Though the essay ignited online speculation, Duff made it clear she felt the narrative didn’t accurately reflect reality — and that, more than anything, the situation left her disappointed.