As the wind of gossip blew through the internet, Nicole Richie couldn't help but voice her heartfelt support for her friend's latest musical endeavor. Amidst speculations that Hilary Duff's new single "Mature" was a subtle nod to her ex-beau Joel Madden, the Simple Life alum shared a candid moment on her Instagram Story.
In a black-and-white photo, Nicole and Hilary were seen lying on the grass, hands intertwined, laughing heartily. The Candidly Nicole star captioned the snap, "Mature" may not be the word I'd use to describe us, but regardless, this song is a banger." The caption was accompanied by a tag to the "So Yesterday" singer, further solidifying their unwavering bond.
Before Nicole's sweet reaction, rumors had been swirling that "Mature" was partially inspired by Hilary's past romance with Joel, who she dated from 2004 to 2006 despite a nine-year age gap. In the chorus, Hilary sings, "She looks like she could be your daughter / Like me before I got smarter," reflecting on her youthful self when she and the Good Charlotte musician called it quits at 19 and 28 respectively.
One user commented on X Nov. 10, "So, Hilary Duff fans, mature is about Joel Madden right?" Another added, "New Hilary Duff being a Joel Madden diss track is WILD." However, despite the speculation, Hilary shared some insight into what really inspired the song. "‘Mature’ is a little conversation that my present self is having with my younger self," she explained in a press release. "The two of us are reflecting on a past experience and sending love to each other. It’s a chuckle, a wink, and a sense of being grateful that we are sure footed in where we landed.”
Furthermore, Hilary previously insisted that she and her husband Matthew Koma—who co-wrote "Mature" alongside her and Madison Love—have a close bond with both Joel and Nicole. Given that they're all neighbors, their friendship goes way back. "We actually hang out all the time," Hilary said of Nicole, who began dating Joel one month after his and the A Cinderella Story star's breakup, on Watch What Happens Live in 2023. "I was just in her driveway honking her to come drink wine with us the other day."
