Hilary Duff fans shocked she was only 16 when she dated Nicole Richie’s husband Joel Madden who’s 9 years older

by

Critics are voicing their disapproval towards the past relationship between actress Hilary Duff and musician Joel Madden during their teenage years, as some fans have expressed worries about their significant age difference.

In simpler terms, the artist known for So Yesterday, born in 1985, and Good Charlotte’s rocker, born in 1976 (who is now married to Nicole Richie, born in 1981), had a relationship from 2004 to 2006. The relationship began when she was just 16 years old, while he was 25.

However, the past relationship has stirred up anger among fans, as a previous interview with Duff from Cosmopolitan magazine was re-shared on Reddit.

During the interview, the celebrity, who has recently disclosed an unexpected shift in her profession, was inquired about whom she had lost her virginity with.

As a self-proclaimed lifestyle aficionado, I’d like to clarify that my partner is a vibrant 26-year-old individual, much like the charismatic character portrayed by Madden. The nature of our relationship is something personal that I choose not to disclose publicly, inviting everyone to draw their own conclusions about my life choices.

Several spectators voiced their dissatisfaction, one commenting, “It’s disturbing that such large age differences were considered acceptable in the past. I can’t recall if there was any uproar about this romance.

While I was still quite young, I found their relationship during courtship fascinating and thought they were an amazing pair. Now, as an adult, I find it troubling that an adult would engage in a romantic relationship with a minor, especially when they openly display their affections. It makes me ponder how he’d react if his own daughter was in such a situation with someone significantly older.

‘We shouldn’t have forgotten,’ another chimed in.

A number of other comments called the age gap relationship ‘nasty’.

It was noted that Hillary continues to maintain a friendship with Joel and his present spouse, Nicole.

It’s astonishing how close they are now, as evidenced by their friendship that includes regular dinners and other activities, almost unbelievable.

After a harmonious two-year relationship, Duff and Madden parted ways amicably in the year 2006, choosing to end their romantic journey then.

In an interview with PEOPLE in 2007, Madden shared that every woman he has dated, he holds in high regard, and he strives to part ways amicably.

While I don’t feel a need to develop friendships with your former partners, I believe it’s important to maintain a level of respect for the time we’ve spent together. That’s why I strive to behave courteously.

A short while following their separation, he started seeing Nicole, who ultimately became his spouse and the parent of their two offspring.

Despite some criticism surrounding their relationship, Hilary and her spouse, Matthew Koma (aged 38), seem to be enjoying a harmonious bond, even with the presence of the musician in the picture.

And last year the two even dressed up as Joel and his brother Benji Madden for Halloween.

Matt donned a getup resembling Joel, complete with his MDDN hat, leather jacket, and a chain necklace. Hillary, on the other hand, portrayed the other member of Good Charlotte, sporting a black cap, leather vest, and multiple chain necklaces.

They proudly showed off the looks while out to dinner with Joel and his wife Nicole. 

Joel and Nicole, a couple who have been together since 2010 and are parents to Harlow (age 17) and Sparrow (age 16), re-shared the costume homage on their personal Stories.

Joel labeled the photo saying, “Guard MatthewKoma and HilaryDuff vigilantly,” followed by two crown symbols.

In the year 2023, Koma posted a collection of old photos as a throwback to Madden’s birthday, among which was one photo from 2006 featuring Madden and Duff during their relationship period.

Koma jokingly titled the post, “It’s not so unusual that you dated my wife, @joelmadden. It merely makes me feel more connected to you.

The foursome were also spotted on a date night together in 2022.

And in 2023, Hilary shared that they are neighbors and spend plenty of time together.

She mentioned that we live close by, and it’s not uncommon for us to spend time together. Recently, I was even waiting in her driveway, honking my horn, inviting her over for a glass of wine.

As a lifestyle enthusiast, I am proud to be the mother of a vibrant 13-year-old son, Luca Cruz, who joined our family through my marriage with Mike Comrie. In addition, I’m blessed to be the mother of three adorable daughters – Banks Violet, aged six, Mae James, aged four, and Townes Meadow, aged one – all of whom I share with my partner Koma.

The pair have been married since 2019. 

Read More

2025-09-10 16:20