Christopher French has spoken publicly for the first time about his wife Ashley Tisdale’s “toxic mom group” drama, saying the couple are “doing fine” and that he supports her decision to handle her personal relationships herself.
Tisdale, 41, attracted attention in January after writing about a “toxic mom group” she had left. Speculation followed that the group may have included celebrities such as Mandy Moore, Hilary Duff and Meghan Trainor, although the identities of those involved were not confirmed.
French, 44, said he had deliberately avoided becoming involved in the controversy. “I have no problem supporting my wife completely in her ability to deal with her own interpersonal relationships in whatever way [she] feels is right for her, without getting involved or feeling like I have to speak for her,” he said in an interview published on September 30.
The composer and Recovering podcast host described Tisdale as “a super smart, capable person” who knows what she is doing, adding that this was part of what he loved about her.
French, who shares daughters Jupiter, five, and Emerson, two, with the High School Musical actress, said he understood where his wife was coming from, even though the subject had been difficult.
“We are very private,” he said, while explaining that the situation mattered to Tisdale. He also referred to her as “a really smart chick” and “a very capable person”.
The controversy prompted reactions from several celebrities after Tisdale’s essay was published. She is now working on a comedy series for Netflix centred on a “toxic mom” group.
