
Chad Michael Murray | Source: Getty Images
Chad Michael Murray Reacts to Hilary Duff’s Claim About His Role in Her Feud with Lindsay Lohan
Chad Michael Murray is addressing Hilary Duff’s recent revelation about their teenage years, offering his perspective on the night she showed up at the "Freaky Friday" premiere. The actor says he had no idea he was stepping into the middle of a highly publicized feud.
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Chad Michael Murray is responding after Hilary Duff shared new details about their past, including his unexpected role in one of early 2000s Hollywood’s most talked-about teen rivalries.

Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray during "A Cinderella Story" Premiere at Grauman's Chinese Theater in Hollywood, California. | Source: Getty Images
During a March 25, 2026 appearance on Virgin Radio Toronto's "Daryn & Deepa Mornings," Murray addressed Duff’s claim that he invited her to the "Freaky Friday" premiere at the height of her feud with Lindsay Lohan.
"I didn't know there was a feud," Murray admitted. "How was I supposed to know there was a feud? I found out quickly after."
Duff had previously revealed that she attended the premiere during a tense period between her and Lohan, which was largely fueled by their past relationships with Aaron Carter.
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Hilary Duff at premiere of "Freaky Friday" at the El Capitan Theater in Hollywood, California on August 4, 2003. | Source: Getty Images
A Practical Decision, Not Drama
Murray explained that his decision to bring Duff to the premiere had nothing to do with any underlying tension. At the time, the two were filming "A Cinderella Story," and production encouraged them to spend more time together ahead of a major scene.
The actor said the cast and crew wanted them to build chemistry before filming a key kissing sequence, but their busy schedules left little opportunity.
According to Murray, attending the premiere together was simply the most convenient way to spend time together. "There was no free time," the 44-year-old said. "And by the way, I didn't understand that there was drama or that that would even cause a thing." He also had nothing but kind words for his co-star, adding, "It was great. She's super sweet."
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The Feud That Followed
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Duff’s appearance at the "Freaky Friday" premiere became a notable moment in her ongoing feud with Lohan. The tension between the two young stars was widely publicized at the time, with fans closely following their interactions.
Later that year, Lohan attended the premiere of Duff’s film "Cheaper By The Dozen," a move that mirrored Duff’s earlier appearance. Looking back, Duff said she understood why Lohan showed up. "That was like my childhood nemesis," Duff said of Lohan.

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
A Peaceful Resolution
Despite the rivalry, both stars eventually moved past their differences. Duff recalled a moment when Lohan approached her at a club to clear the air. According to Duff, Lohan asked, "Are we good?" to which she replied, "We're good." The interaction ended on a friendly note, with Lohan suggesting they take a shot together.
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The exchange marked the end of their feud, showing that what once felt like a major conflict had ultimately faded with time.

Chad Michael Murray and Hilary Duff during Hilary Duff and Chad Michael Murray Visit MTV's "TRL" on July 15, 2004 at MTV Studios, Times Square in New York City. | Source: Getty Images
Murray’s comments add a new layer to a well-known chapter in early 2000s pop culture. While Duff’s story suggested a deliberate move, Murray’s version paints a much simpler picture, one driven by work schedules rather than drama.
In the end, what seemed like a calculated appearance was, for Murray, just another day on set.
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