Hilary Duff Opens Up About Managing Media Chaos Amid Mom Group Controversy

Hilary Duff is speaking out regarding recent rumors involving a group of moms in the spotlight.

After Ashley Tisdale published an honest essay in The Cut about her departure from a difficult and “toxic” mom circle, the star of Younger discussed how she handles public scrutiny.

“This isn’t something new for me,” Hilary told the Los Angeles Times in an interview released on February 20. “I’ve been dealing with paparazzi and constant media attention since I was about 15. Every detail of my life and those around me gets documented.”

She added, “The stories that catch the media’s attention aren’t what a typical adult actor experiences. Now, with TikTok personalities chasing clicks, the situation escalates. It’s tricky because sometimes people get it right, and other times they don’t have a clue.”

Hilary confirmed she’s seen all the speculation, recalling a harsh claim she encountered. “I read something saying that none of the moms or teachers at school liked me, which is completely false. The women at school are wonderful, and I adore them all.”

Balancing motherhood with the rumor mill is no easy task for the 38-year-old, who shares daughters Banks (7), Mae (4), and Townes (21 months) with husband Matthew Koma, as well as son Luca (13) with ex-husband Mike Comrie.

“It depends on the day,” she explained. “I cherish those moments when we can just hang out as a family, play soccer, relax in the hot tub, and collect our chicken eggs — that’s what life is about. On the tougher days when drama unfolds, I retreat and silence the noise.”

This comes nearly two months after Ashley—who has children Jupiter (4) and Emerson (17 months) with husband Christopher French—spoke out about why she distanced herself from an exclusionary group of moms.

Though Ashley did not name anyone directly, she previously shared glimpses of friendships with notable moms like Hilary, Meghan Trainor, and Mandy Moore.

In her January 1 essay, Ashley described being impressed by the achievements of the group but revealed the dynamic soured when she realized she was being deliberately left out of gatherings.

“At first, I told myself it wasn’t personal and maybe there were valid reasons for not being invited. Life is hectic for all of us. But eventually, it became clear the exclusion was intentional,” she wrote. Before stepping away from the group, Ashley shared a message she sent: “This is too high school for me, and I don’t want to be part of it anymore.”