Hilary Duff has expressed her relief at leaving the tabloid era behind as she reflects on her journey through fame. The 38-year-old former Disney star, who gained popularity as a teenager in the early 2000s, recently reminisced about the pressure and scrutiny she faced during her formative years. In an interview with Therapuss, Duff recounted some of the “silly scandals” that erupted around her, including an incident at 17 involving speculation about a condom in her clear purse, a rumor that drew immediate attention from her mother.
“I grew up in the time of scandal where everyone wanted to catch me doing something bad,” Duff recalled. One instance she highlighted occurred while she was walking with a friend when a paparazzo snapped a picture, claiming she had a condom in her bag. Duff admitted she couldn’t even confirm what the item was, stating it could have just been a valet ticket, but she vividly remembered the anxious call from her mom asking about it.
Looking back, Duff sees no real harm in being a typical teenager exploring her independence. “I think I’m being safe,” she jokingly added, dismissing the gravity of the situation now that she’s older. Some fans even speculated that the infamous photo, which has circulated online for years, may have been manipulated with Photoshop, as discussions about the photo’s authenticity have persisted since its release.
The former child star shared that managing the overwhelming attention from paparazzi was a challenging part of her adolescence. “I just remember having to deal with paparazzi everywhere I went. My friends often acted as my bodyguards,” she said. Although there were fleeting moments of excitement, the relentless scrutiny quickly became exhausting, especially as it continued long into her adult years, even during her pregnancies in the early 2010s.
Reflecting on those experiences, Duff noted that the culture surrounding celebrity has shifted significantly. She quipped, “Or people don’t care about me anymore. I don’t know which one,” highlighting the evolving dynamics of fame.
Once a household name for millennials through roles in Disney Channel’s “Lizzie McGuire” and films like “A Cinderella Story,” Duff is now poised for a musical comeback with her new single “Mature,” which releases soon. Her journey from teen star to a well-rounded adult illustrates growth and resilience, encouraging others to embrace their past while moving forward.
Despite the challenges of growing up in the public eye, Duff’s story emphasizes the importance of youth experiences, resilience, and the evolving landscape of celebrity culture that many are beginning to navigate more compassionately today.