Dylan Efron Defends Ashley Tisdale in Mom Group Drama

Dylan Efron Defends Ashley Tisdale Amid Viral 'Toxic' Mom Group Controversy

In a surprising turn of events, Dylan Efron has stepped up to defend his sister-in-law, Ashley Tisdale, amid the ongoing drama surrounding her now-viral essay about a 'toxic' mom group. During an appearance on Watch What Happens Live with Andy Cohen, Dylan shared his perspective on the situation, offering words of support for Ashley.

The Backlash Against Ashley Tisdale's Mom Group

Ashley Tisdale, known for her roles in High School Musical and other hit films, recently penned a viral essay for The Cut titled “Breaking Up With My Toxic Mom Group.” In the essay, she detailed her decision to leave a mom group that had become increasingly negative and 'high school'-like in its dynamics.

The essay, which has since gone viral, has sparked a conversation about the pressures and pitfalls of mom groups, with many women sharing their own experiences of toxicity within similar circles. However, the essay has also drawn criticism from some who feel that Tisdale may have overreacted to the situation.

Dylan Efron's Supportive Stance

During his appearance on Watch What Happens Live, Dylan Efron was asked by a fan about the ongoing drama. While he admitted to not knowing all the details, he made it clear that he stands by Ashley.

“I try to stay out of that, so I don’t know too much,” Dylan, 33, said during the call-in segment. “All I know is, Ashley, since I was a kid, she’s been so sweet to me.”

He continued, “So I can’t envision her doing anything malicious to the mom group. Hopefully, it’s just a misunderstanding? I honestly don’t know what’s going on, though.”

Host Andy Cohen interjected, suggesting that the situation seemed more complex than a simple misunderstanding. Dylan agreed, but still maintained his lack of knowledge about the specifics, emphasizing his positive relationship with Ashley.

Ashley Tisdale's Viral Essay

The controversy began when Ashley Tisdale first shared her thoughts on leaving a mom group in a blog post titled “You’re Allowed to Leave Your Mom Group” in December 2025. She expanded on these ideas in her The Cut essay, where she described the group as becoming 'too high school' and reminiscent of 'mean' girls.

“When I became a mom, I craved connection almost as much as I craved sleep. So I did what a lot of us do. I joined a mom group,” Tisdale wrote in her December blog post. “But here’s the thing nobody prepared me for: Mom groups can turn toxic. Not because the moms themselves are toxic people, but because the dynamic shifts into an ugly place with mean-girl behavior.”

Tisdale, who is a mom to daughters Jupiter Iris and Emerson Clover, has received both support and criticism for her candid take on the often-unspoken issues that can arise within mom groups.

Dylan Efron's Personal Connection

As the brother of Ashley Tisdale's High School Musical co-star Zac Efron, Dylan has known Ashley for many years. He recalled her support during his time on Dancing with the Stars, where she attended the show to cheer him on.

“She came to Dancing with the Stars to support me. Like, I can’t see where this drama would come from,” Dylan said, highlighting the positive relationship between the two.

Public Reaction to the Drama

The public reaction to Ashley Tisdale's essay has been mixed. Many mothers have shared their own stories of toxic mom groups, commending Tisdale for speaking out about an issue that affects many women. Others, however, have criticized her for potentially oversharing or for not handling the situation in a more private manner.

Regardless of the public opinion, Dylan Efron's defense of his sister-in-law adds another layer to the ongoing conversation. His stance highlights the personal relationships and connections that often play a role in public disputes, especially those involving celebrities.

What's Next for Ashley Tisdale?

As the drama continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how Ashley Tisdale will navigate the situation. The actress has not publicly addressed the criticism that has come with her viral essay, choosing instead to focus on her family and career.

For now, Dylan Efron's support serves as a reminder of the importance of sticking by those you care about, even in the face of controversy. And as the conversation around mom groups continues, it's clear that Ashley Tisdale's essay has sparked an important dialogue about the dynamics of female friendships and motherhood.

Only time will tell how this chapter of Ashley Tisdale's life unfolds, but one thing is certain: she has a loyal supporter in Dylan Efron, who is ready to defend her whenever necessary.