Crystal Minkoff Opens Up About Ashley Tisdale French’s Alleged “Toxic” Mom Group Drama

Crystal Minkoff is speaking publicly about her own experience with a so-called “toxic” mom group, drawing parallels to the controversy surrounding Ashley Tisdale French’s recent viral essay.

On the Monday, Jan. 12 episode of her Humble Brag podcast, the former Real Housewives of Beverly Hills star said she is familiar with several members of the mom group Tisdale French described in her essay for The Cut, which detailed her decision to leave what she labeled a “toxic” circle of friends.

Minkoff explained that many of the women in question have known each other for years, with their children attending the same preschool. According to her, the connections date back even further, with some families sharing long-standing social ties. She noted that while she does not want to share personal details about others involved, she found the public reaction to the essay striking.

“The situation got so big so fast,” Minkoff said on the podcast, adding that the discussion has spread widely online.

The reality TV alum also reflected on her own past fallout with friends after joining The Real Housewives of Beverly Hills. She revealed that after appearing on the show, she lost 14 friendships, which led many online users to draw comparisons between her experience and Tisdale French’s story.

Minkoff pointed out a key difference between the two situations. While Tisdale French said she chose to leave the group, Minkoff said she was the one who was pushed out. “I didn’t leave the group,” she explained. “They all went against me and dropped me.”

Despite acknowledging that she knows several members of the mom group, Minkoff said she does not know Tisdale French personally. Still, she expressed empathy for her, saying that being excluded from a close social circle can be deeply painful.

“If you’re being pushed out, you’re not imagining it,” Minkoff said, defending Tisdale French’s feelings.

Minkoff also addressed the public backlash, suggesting that Tisdale French is facing heightened criticism because some of the alleged group members — including Mandy Moore, Hilary Duff, and Meghan Trainor — are widely admired celebrities.

“Ashley’s getting most of the hate,” Minkoff said, noting that the others involved are “so beloved” in Hollywood.

While Minkoff emphasized that she has had positive personal experiences with some of the women named online, she acknowledged that group dynamics can be complicated. In the end, she said she feels sympathy for everyone involved, particularly Tisdale French.

“I lived through this,” Minkoff said. “I feel for all sides — but I do feel for Ashley.”