Many of us have been guilty of complaining about others in private WhatsApp chats, but actress Ashley Tisdale has sparked a conversation about the toxicity of such groups. In an essay for The Cut, Tisdale revealed she left a 'toxic' star-studded LA mum group due to 'mean girl' behaviour, including being excluded from gatherings and feeling frozen out.
Tisdale wrote that she initially believed she had found her 'village' in the group, but over time noticed a pattern of leaving someone out – 'and that someone had become me'. She eventually texted the group chat one final time, saying: 'This is too high school for me and I don't want to take part in it anymore.'
The essay prompted a response from Matthew Koma, husband of Hilary Duff, who posted a fake magazine cover sarcastically criticising Tisdale. However, many have supported Tisdale's decision to speak out, recognising the prevalence of such behaviour in mum groups.
One mother admitted to being part of a 'side-chat' called 'Breakaway', where she would vent about other parents, from complaints about a 'Supermum' boasting about teaching her child Latin to gripes about school issues. She confessed to ranting about friends' relationships, weight loss, and work ethic, acknowledging the lure of the 'side-snark'.
The trend highlights a broader issue: the pressure to engage in negative gossip within mum groups, often disguised as humour. As Tisdale's story shows, recognising and stepping away from such toxicity can be a healthy New Year's resolution.
