#17: Joel Madden and Hilary Duff

In the early 2000s, societal norms often made us accept certain things without question. One notable example was the relationship between Hilary Duff, a teenage star, and Joel Madden, a twenty-something musician. Their romantic involvement began when Hilary was only 16 while Joel was 24. Their relationship was widely publicized and accepted then.

But reflecting on it now prompts us to consider the potential power dynamics and imbalances that may have existed. The two stayed together from 2004 to 2006, when they decided to part ways. In the same year, Madden began dating Nicole Richie. On the other hand, Duff found love again and tied the knot with Matthew Koma in 2019.