Dylan Efron has come to the defense of Ashley Tisdale following her recent public fallout with a group of friends, which she described as “toxic.” Tisdale, known for her role in the 2006 film High School Musical, has been in the spotlight after revealing her decision to distance herself from a circle of friends that includes notable figures like Hilary Duff, Mandy Moore, and Meghan Trainor.
During a segment on “Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen” on October 4, 2023, Efron expressed his support for Tisdale, insisting that she could not be blamed for the situation. “I try to stay out of that, so I don’t know too much. All I know is Ashley, since I was a kid, she’s been so sweet to me,” the 33-year-old actor stated. This response came amid growing interest in Tisdale’s essay published in The Cut, where she described feeling excluded from her mom group, ultimately leading her to sever ties with them.
Efron, who gained recognition on the reality competition “Traitors” and subsequently competed on “Dancing With the Stars,” acknowledged the seriousness of the situation while remaining somewhat unaware of the full context. Host Andy Cohen, known for his provocative questioning style, suggested that the issue may extend beyond mere misunderstanding, prompting Efron to concede, “Yeah, it is.”
Despite the drama, Efron highlighted Tisdale’s kindness, recalling her support during his time on “Dancing With the Stars.” He noted, “Like, I can’t see where this drama would come from.” Cohen humorously remarked on Tisdale’s attendance at the show, suggesting that her time away from the mom group allowed her to cheer for Efron.
Earlier in October, Tisdale, 40, detailed her experiences in her essay, revealing feelings of inadequacy and exclusion after being left out of events. Initially, her publicist claimed that Tisdale was referring to a different group, but this was contradicted by Matthew Koma, Duff’s husband, who responded with a post that appeared to mock Tisdale, confirming the backlash was indeed directed at the group in question.
The public fallout has been marked by social media activity as well. Tisdale has stopped following both Duff and Moore on Instagram while maintaining her connection with Trainor. This shift highlights the personal nature of the conflict and its impact on their relationships within the entertainment industry.
As the drama unfolds, Efron remains steadfast in his support for Tisdale, emphasizing her positive character and contributions to his life. The incident serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics often present in social circles, particularly among those in the public eye.
