Hilary Duff's Mexico Getaway Sparks Resurfacing of Ashley Tisdale's 'Toxic Mom Group' Drama
Social media users draw parallels between Duff's trip and a past controversy involving her former friend Ashley Tisdale.
Hilary Duff's recent tropical getaway to Mexico, shared with friends including actress Mandy Moore, has brought a past controversy involving Ashley Tisdale back into the spotlight on social media.
Followers commenting on Duff's vacation photos, which feature the actress in swimsuits and enjoying resort activities, have referenced the alleged "toxic mom group" drama that first surfaced earlier this year. Comments like "Is this the toxic mom trip that made it out of the group chat?" and "Y'all forgot about Ashley Tisdale" appeared on Duff's posts.
The resurfacing speculation stems from an essay Ashley Tisdale published in January for The Cut, titled "Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group." In the essay, Tisdale described feeling excluded from gatherings with women she considered close friends, noting that social media often made her aware of events she wasn't invited to. She stated the situation prompted her to distance herself, saying, "This is too high school for me and I don't want to take part in it anymore."
While Tisdale did not name the individuals in her essay, social media users quickly speculated that she was referring to Duff, Moore, and other celebrity mothers with whom she had been photographed. However, a representative for Tisdale denied these claims to TMZ, stating the essay was not about Duff, Moore, or Meghan Trainor.
Duff addressed the speculation on the "Call Her Daddy" podcast, expressing her sadness and hurt over the rumors, and questioning the timing of the controversy, which she felt coincided with a career resurgence. "I felt really sad," Duff stated. "It sucks to read something that's like not true and it sucks on behalf of like six women in all of their lives."
The actress's Mexico trip included photos of her in a yellow one-piece swimsuit on the beach, posing with friends, and participating in spa treatments at the One&Only Mandarina resort. The group also included celebrity chef Gaby Dalkin and makeup artist Kelsey Deenihan Fisher, among others.
Duff celebrated her 39th birthday on September 28, shortly before embarking on this girls' trip.