This is not what she wants, this is not what she planned – but Ashley Tisdale has found herself embroiled in drama, and not of the musical variety.
The High School Musical alum, known best for her portrayal of our favourite theatre diva Sharpay Evans in the hit movie series, has penned a very public callout of a group of her ex-friends.
In a post to media platform Substack, she alleges she was essentially “frozen out” of the tight-knit “clique” of fellow mums. The former Disney star, who now goes by Ashley French following her marriage to husband Christopher, wrote a raw reflection of the moment she realised the group was no longer serving her.
“Friendships, like all relationships, have seasons. Maybe a group truly was a good fit at one point, but if it’s not the right fit for you now, it’s okay to move on,” the Substack post read. This sentiment resonates with many, especially those navigating the complexities of adult friendships.
Delving deeper into the topic, Tisdale authored a separate essay for The Cut titled ‘Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group.’ In this piece, she began by warning “online sleuths” off investigating the matter further, yet many were quick to point out her previous associations with stars like Meghan Trainor, Hillary Duff, and Mandy Moore.
Despite the speculation, a representative for Tisdale has denied that the “toxic mom group” referenced in her writings included these well-known figures. Speaking to TMZ, the rep stated it was “unfortunate that Ashley’s words had been twisted in that way.” This denial adds another layer of intrigue to the unfolding drama.
Following the birth of her first daughter, Tisdale expressed a desire for connection with other mothers, believing she had finally found the community she longed for. However, her experience soon turned sour. “I thought I found my village. Instead, I was back in high school,” she lamented, reflecting on the disheartening dynamics that emerged within the group.
As she began to notice her exclusion from various group activities, the reality of her situation became increasingly apparent. The constant stream of Instagram Stories and posts showcasing her absence only deepened her sense of isolation. A particularly telling dinner party, where she was purposely seated away from the other women, marked a turning point for Tisdale.
In her Substack post, she detailed her feelings of being “frozen out,” noting a troubling pattern of exclusion that had developed within the group. Despite initial admiration for the “incredible, smart, funny” women, Tisdale found herself on the receiving end of their unkind behavior. “I was starting to feel frozen out of the group, noticing every way that they seemed to exclude me,” she wrote.
Eventually, Tisdale confronted the group via text, stating, “‘This is too high school for me and I don’t want to take part in it anymore.’” The response was swift, with some members attempting to smooth things over. One even sent her flowers, but the gesture felt hollow when Tisdale was subsequently ignored after expressing her gratitude.
As the fallout continued, Tisdale remained resolute in her decision to distance herself from the group. The bold essay she penned has, against her wishes, sparked rampant speculation among internet sleuths. Despite still following Trainer on Instagram, she has unfollowed Duff and Moore, hinting at the rift that has formed.
While the members of the “mum group” have yet to publicly address Tisdale’s allegations, the drama surrounding her experience serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities of adult friendships. As Tisdale navigates this challenging chapter, her candid reflections resonate with many who have faced similar struggles in their own social circles.
