Hilary Duff | Source: Getty Images
Hilary Duff Confesses to Crashing the 'Freaky Friday' Premiere Amid Lohan Beef
Mar 06, 2026 - 01:00 A.M.
Hilary Duff is revisiting her teenage years with surprising honesty. On a recent podcast appearance, the former child star admitted she intentionally attended the "Freaky Friday" premiere without an invitation, confirming long-standing rumors of tension with Lindsay Lohan.
Hilary Duff is opening up about a rumored early 2000s feud with Lindsay Lohan, confirming that she intentionally attended the premiere of "Freaky Friday" in 2003 despite not receiving an invitation.
The 38-year-old singer and actress appeared on the February 25, 2026 episode of the "Call Her Daddy" podcast with host Alex Cooper. During the candid conversation, Duff addressed speculation that she crashed the premiere at the height of her reported rivalry with Lohan.
Confirming the Premiere Crash
When Cooper asked whether she intentionally showed up to the event, Duff did not hesitate. “I think absolutely, yes. I was a teenager,” she said.
Duff explained that her "A Cinderella Story" co-star Chad Michael Murray invited her to attend. Murray also starred in "Freaky Friday" at the time.
Hilary Duff at premiere of "Freaky Friday" at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, California on August 4, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
“Chad Michael Murray invited me,” she explained. “I don't wanna start any more stuff, But, like, he was like, ‘You should come with me.’ And I was like, ‘Mhmm. Probably I should.’ ”
Though she was not officially invited, Duff decided to go. The appearance fueled speculation about tension between the two actresses, who were both prominent teen stars at the time.
Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray during "A Cinderella Story" Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
A Teenage Rivalry
Later that year, Lohan attended the premiere of Duff’s film "Cheaper by the Dozen." When asked if that surprised her, the "Wake Up" singer said "no." Reflecting on their dynamic at the time, Duff added, “I mean, that was, like, my childhood nemesis. I'm sure my publicist will be like, what the [expletive] are you doing? But now it's so many years later. Like, who cares? It does not matter.”
The rumored feud stemmed from their simultaneous relationships with the late Aaron Carter. Duff dated Carter from 2001 to 2004. The overlapping romances drew media attention and intensified speculation about a rivalry between the two young stars.
Despite the tension during their teenage years, Duff said the situation eventually resolved.
Lindsay Lohan during the "Cheaper By The Dozen" Los Angeles Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theatre in Hollywood, California on December 14, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
Making Peace Years Later
According to Duff, she and Lohan later crossed paths at the same club. During that encounter, Lohan asked, “Are we good?” Duff replied that they were. The two then took a shot together, signaling an end to their past issues.
Duff’s recent comments suggest that whatever animosity once existed has long since faded. Speaking more than two decades after the alleged feud began, she appeared relaxed and reflective about the drama of her teenage years.
In 2022, following Carter’s death, Duff shared a touching tribute to her former boyfriend. While she did not revisit those details during the podcast, his name remains linked to the early 2000s headlines that surrounded both actresses.
Now 38, Duff seems comfortable revisiting that chapter of her life with honesty and humor. Her admission about the "Freaky Friday" premiere confirms what many longtime fans suspected while underscoring how much time has passed since the height of teen tabloid culture.
Looking back, Duff framed her actions as those of a teenager navigating fame, relationships, and rivalry in the public eye. Today, she says the drama no longer matters.
