Hilary Duff recalls the most controversial scene in ‘Gossip Girl’: “I knew my mum was going to call me”

Hilary Duff reflects on her most talked-about moment in ‘Gossip Girl’ and the lasting impact of her character.

Although many still associate her with the unforgettable Lizzie McGuire, Hilary Duff’s career has also included far more daring moments on television. During a recent appearance on ‘Burning Questions’ by Harper’s Bazaar, the actress and singer looked back on her brief but memorable role in ‘Gossip Girl’.

Duff appeared in the third season of the popular series in 2009, playing Olivia Burke, a famous actress who enrols at New York University and ends up sharing a dorm room with Vanessa Abrams, portrayed by Jessica Szohr, who also happens to be a fan of her films. Throughout her storyline, Olivia develops a close relationship with Dan Humphrey, played by Penn Badgley, which eventually leads to one of the most talked-about scenes in the show.

When asked about the most memorable moment from her experience on the series, Hilary Duff did not hesitate to mention that particular sequence. “Probably the threesome scene was the highlight,” she said with a laugh during the interview. However, she admitted that at the time she had a very specific concern. “I remember thinking: ‘Oh, my mum is going to call me after this,’” she joked.

Despite her relatively short time on the show, the actress acknowledges that her character left a lasting impression on fans. In fact, Duff recently recalled an experience that illustrates just how memorable the role remains. “Not long ago I was in Paris and my suitcase was lost. When I went to the airline counter, the person helping me asked, ‘Are you from Gossip Girl?’ I thought, yes, I love that people recognise me for that,” she explained.

The storyline of Olivia Burke came to an end halfway through the third season, when the romantic situation between the characters leads her to realise that Vanessa had deeper feelings for Dan. After that revelation, Olivia decides to leave university in order to accept a new role in a film.

Although her character was initially expected to return the following year, Hilary Duff never appeared again in the series. Even so, Olivia Burke continued to exist within the world of ‘Gossip Girl’, and was even referenced in the show’s final episode through a film poster featuring her character.

At the time, the scene involving Duff generated considerable controversy, particularly given television standards in 2009. The sequence was promoted with provocative advertising and prompted protests from the Parents Television Council, which urged The CW’s affiliate stations not to broadcast the episode.

Despite the criticism, the episode ultimately aired and became one of the most memorable moments in the series. For Hilary Duff, that appearance marked a different stage in her career, demonstrating that her trajectory could extend far beyond the character that made her famous in her early years.