A recent essay by former teen star Ashley Tisdale, now known as Ashley Tisdale French, detailing her departure from a "toxic" mom group, has ignited considerable discussion. The piece, published in The Cut, explored the evolving dynamics of a social circle she once considered her "village," ultimately leading to her disengagement due to feelings of exclusion. While Tisdale French refrained from naming individuals, public and online speculation quickly focused on a group of well-known mothers with whom she had previously been photographed, including Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor. This article investigates the prominent figures who may have been part of this group, highlighting their connections and reactions to the unfolding public narrative, despite official denials regarding their direct involvement in Tisdale's essay.
Hilary Duff, a former Disney Channel luminary and mother of four, has frequently spoken about the importance of her support network of celebrity mothers. In December 2024, she shared with PEOPLE that she relied heavily on this group, including Tisdale French, for support, especially during challenging times such as her family's bout with the flu during Thanksgiving. Duff described the group as actively engaged, meeting several times a week for activities involving their children. However, a notable shift in their social media presence, with Tisdale French and Duff no longer following each other on Instagram, fueled rumors. Despite a representative for Tisdale French denying that Duff was the subject of the essay, Duff's husband, Matt Koma, publicly criticized Tisdale French on his Instagram Story, posting a doctored image with a mocking headline that called her "self-obsessed" and "tone deaf." This incident further intensified public interest in the alleged discord.
Mandy Moore, an Emmy-nominated actress and mother of three, also acknowledged her involvement in Duff's mom group. She expressed her appreciation for the community it provided, telling InStyle in 2022 that Duff's initiative to form the "cool mom club" after they both had babies around the same time created many "wonderful friends." Moore emphasized the profound and unexpected depth of friendships she found since becoming a mother. Similar to Duff, Tisdale French no longer follows Moore on Instagram, although Moore continues to follow Tisdale French. Moore's character was defended by Chelsea Handler in an interview with Page Six Radio, where Handler praised Moore as a "wonderful, sweet person." These exchanges illustrate the public and personal complexities surrounding the mom group narrative.
Meghan Trainor, a Grammy-winning artist and mother of two, likewise confirmed her friendship with Duff, Moore, and Tisdale French. In January 2025, she mentioned to PEOPLE having a "great group chat" with these celebrity mothers, though she noted her frequent absence due to touring. A representative for Tisdale French clarified that Trainor was not among the individuals referenced in the essay, and notably, the two artists still maintain their Instagram connection. This suggests a less contentious relationship compared to the reported tensions with Duff and Moore.
Beyond the well-known faces, the article also highlights other individuals frequently seen with the celebrity mom group. Gaby Dalkin, a chef and best-selling cookbook author, has been a regular presence, often featured in social media posts with Moore, including a shared trip to Mexico in July 2025. Dalkin's subsequent posts about group getaways that Tisdale French did not attend, and the fact that they no longer follow each other on Instagram, further suggest her inclusion in the broader narrative. Janice Gott, founder of the breast pump company Muu, also frequently appears with the group, and despite her private Instagram, Tisdale French still follows her, indicating a potentially different dynamic. Kelsey Deenihan Fisher, a celebrity makeup artist, is another apparent member, maintaining an Instagram following with Tisdale French and sharing posts about group trips. Social media influencer Whitney Wagner Hartley, who creates lifestyle content, was also noted for her participation in group getaways, though she and Tisdale French no longer follow each other. Finally, Amanda Kaplan and Haylee Davidowitz, both maintaining lower public profiles with private Instagram accounts, are mentioned as members whom Tisdale French continues to follow, suggesting varying degrees of connection within the larger circle.
The discussion surrounding Ashley Tisdale French's "toxic" mom group essay has cast a spotlight on the intricate social dynamics within celebrity circles. While Tisdale French's essay abstained from naming individuals, public speculation has inevitably drawn attention to figures like Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor, as well as other less public figures. The varying social media interactions—unfollows, continued follows, and public comments—underscore the nuanced nature of these relationships and the impact of public discourse on personal narratives. This episode serves as a reminder of the challenges inherent in maintaining private friendships under public scrutiny, especially when personal experiences are shared in a widely accessible format.