Hilary Duff's Husband Matthew Koma Weighs In on Who "Mature” Song Is Really About

After Hilary Duff released "Mature," a song many speculate is about her ex Joel Madden and their nine-year age gap, her husband Matthew Koma weighed in on the inspiration behind the track. 

By Gabrielle Chung Dec 05, 2025 2:15 AM
| Updated Dec 05, 2025 2:17 AM
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Watch: Hilary Duff Reacts to Speculation Her Song "Mature" Is About Leonardo DiCaprio

Hey now, hey now, Hilary Duff's husband has some thoughts about her comeback single "Mature."

While theories surrounding the inspiration behind the diss track has ranged from the singer's ex Joel Madden to Leonardo DiCaprio, who's garnered a reputation for dating women until they turn a certain age, Matthew Koma believes his wife was singing about someone significantly older.

"I think it could be about Bernie Sanders," the musician quipped in a joint Apple Music 1 interview with Hilary on Dec. 4, saying that he feels "less threatened" by the 84-year-old than other possible muses fans have suggested. "I have a few of my own."

But, as Hilary joking pointed out, it would be "too obvious" to sing about Bernie and other men around his age, listing off examples including Dick Van Dyke, 99, Patrick Stewart, 85, Morgan Freeman, 88, and Danny DeVito, 81.

"I like these suggestions a lot more than Leonardo DiCaprio," said Matthew, 38, as Hilary noted that she does "love Danny DeVito."

He added to the Lizzie McGuire alum, "You love a short king."

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Hilary Duff Reacts to Speculation Her Song "Mature" Is Actually About Leonardo DiCaprio

Indeed, speculation around "Mature"—Hilary's first single in a decade—has run rampant online, with many believing that it's based on a May-December romance similar to the one Hilary, 38, and Joel, 46, had in the early aughts.

“She looks like she could be your daughter / Like me before I got smarter," Hilary sang on the track. "When I was flattered to hear you say / You're so mature for your age."

Amy Sussman/Getty Images for Apple Music

So, is "Mature" about the Good Charlotte frontman? Joel's wife Nicole Richie—who's close friends with Hilary—doesn't seem to think so.

"'Mature' is not the word I would use to describe us," she captioned a photo of herself and Hilary laughing on Instagram Story in November, “but regardless, this song is a BOP."

For a closer look at Hilary and Matthew’s life together, read on. 

Red Carpet Official

Back in January 2017, the pair confirmed their budding romance by posing on the red carpet together at Entertainment Weekly's pre-SAG Awards party at Chateau Marmont. 

A Brief Breakup

Shortly after their red carpet debut, a source confirmed to E! News the two had split in March 2017. According to the source, the breakup was triggered by their busy schedules. 

Rekindling the Romance

By October 2017, they had rekindled their romance, evidenced by his appearance at her 30th birthday party. "Since Matt got back from tour, they've been seeing each other again," a source told E! News exclusively at the time. "Him being gone on tour was the main reason things didn't work out the first time around, so now that he's back, they picked up right where they left off." As she later revealed on The Talk in December 2017, it was actually the third time they were dating. "Timing is such a big deal… third time's a charm!" she told the co-hosts. 

Baby on Board

In June 2018, the couple has sweet news to share: they had a baby girl on the way. "We made a baby girl!" Koma wrote on social media. "She will be as beautiful and sweet as her mother...@hilaryduff another incredible chapter begins."

Mom & Dad

By the fall, they officially added a new member to the family: daughter Banks Violet Bair. "This little bit has fully stolen our hearts! She joined our world at home on Thursday afternoon and is absolute magic," the actress shared online in October 2018. 

Yes!

Nearly two years after stepping out publicly for the first time, Koma asked the actress to marry him

Just Married!

Duff and Koma said "I do" in Dec. 2019, surrounded by their loved ones! 

12 Months Later

When celebrating his one year wedding anniversary to Hilary, Matthew wrote a thoughtful post on Instagram expressing his gratitude for all that she's done during the pandemic. "I'm so in awe of your badassery," he gushed in part. 

Growing Family

Hilary and Matthew went on to welcome daughter Mae James Bair in March 2021.

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