Ashley Tisdale says she has walked away from a friendship circle she once thought was supportive, describing it as “toxic” and comparing it to the dynamics of high school cliques.
In a candid essay for The cut about her experience High School Musical star explained that being repeatedly excluded from social gatherings with her group of fellow moms left her feeling hurt and sidelined, so much so that she eventually cut ties.
Tisdale, 40, wrote that the group initially felt like a village of friends who could share the ups and downs of motherhood, but over time she began to notice subtle exclusion, from being left out of hangouts to awkward seating arrangements at dinner parties.
Social media only made her feel worse.
She recalled once sitting alone after putting her daughter to bed and suddenly feeling “completely lost as to what I did ‘wrong’ to be left out.”
In the end, Tisdale sent a group text saying, “This is too high school for me and I will not participate in it anymore,” and decided to prioritize her own well-being.
She told fellow stars and friends that motherhood already brings enough challenges without having to question whether the people around you really support you.
Her decision sparked speculation online, especially after she unfollowed a few celebrity mothers on social media, including Hilary Duff and Mandy Moore, leading some fans to associate them with the group she mentioned.
However, a representative for Tisdale denied that the essay was about Duff, Moore or Meghan Trainor, saying the piece was not intended to call out specific individuals.
While some members of the circle reportedly tried to smooth things over with her, Tisdale felt the general atmosphere had become unhealthy for her own mental health.
In her essay, she emphasized that she does not consider most of the women in the group to be “bad people”, but that the dynamic stopped being positive for her.
Tisdale’s reflection has sparked broader conversations online about the complexities of adult friendships and how even small social groups can feel like strangers, especially during significant life transitions such as parenthood.
Her openness has resonated with many who have experienced similar social challenges, highlighting how much adult relationships can sometimes mirror the childish behaviors we embrace during school years.
