Boy Meets World’s Maitland Ward Reflects on Argument With ‘Regina George’ Danielle Fishel

Maitland Ward Reflects on Her Tense Reunion with Danielle Fishel

Maitland Ward, best known for her role as Rachel McGuire on Boy Meets World, has opened up about her recent reunion with former co-star Danielle Fishel, which took place on Fishel’s Pod Meets World podcast. Ward, 48, expressed her surprise and unease over how the reunion unfolded, describing it as "uneasy" and "sad." She revealed that she had considered Fishel, 43, a friend in the past but now feels that Fishel harbored unresolved resentment toward her over the years. The tension between the two came to a head during the podcast when the conversation shifted from friendly reminiscing to rehashing their long-standing feud, including a disagreement over whether Fishel had unfriended Ward on Facebook—a claim Fishel denied.

The Reunion: A Mix of Friendship and Tension

The podcast episode, which aired on February 24, started on a positive note, with Ward and Fishel reminiscing about their time on Boy Meets World and its spin-off, Girl Meets World. However, the tone took a dramatic turn when the topic of their past feud resurfaced. Ward accused Fishel of being jealous of the attention she received during their time on the show, stating, "You didn’t like the fact that I was getting a lot of attention at that time and going off in my own space and taking away that attention." Fishel, on the other hand, said she was sorry if Ward felt personally targeted, but the conversation clearly struck a nerve for both women.

Ward’s Disappointment with Will Friedle

Ward also expressed disappointment with another former co-star, Will Friedle, who played Eric Matthews on Boy Meets World. According to Ward, Friedle had presented the podcast opportunity as a "fun" way to reconnect, leading her to believe that any past issues would be discussed in a lighthearted, conversational manner. Instead, she felt blindsided by the abrupt shift in Fishel’s demeanor during the podcast, comparing the experience to watching Fishel transform from her character Topanga into Regina George from Mean Girls. Ward described the encounter as "jarring" and unexpected, leaving her feeling unsettled.

Fishel’s Response and the Unfriending Debate

Fishel responded to Ward’s claims during the podcast, denying that she had unfriended her on Facebook. She also expressed regret if Ward had interpreted her actions as personal attacks. Despite this, the conversation highlighted deeper unresolved issues between the two actresses. Ward later reflected on the situation, admitting that while she was surprised by the tension, she did not come on the podcast with the intention of stirring up controversy. She emphasized that the initial part of the episode had been friendly, making the sudden shift in tone all the more disheartening.

Ward’s Openness to Future Reconciliation

Although the reunion was fraught with tension, Ward has not ruled out the possibility of appearing on the podcast again in the future. She expressed a willingness to revisit the conversation, provided it could be approached in a more mature and meaningful way. Ward acknowledged that the issues discussed during the podcast, such as the Facebook unfriending, seemed petty in the grand scheme of things. However, she believes that addressing these matters in a deeper, more adult conversation could lead to closure and understanding. Her openness suggests that she is not one to shy away from difficult discussions, even if they involve confronting lingering animosity.

The Legacy of Boy Meets World and Moving Forward

The tension between Ward and Fishel has sparked a lot of attention among Boy Meets World fans, many of whom fondly remember the show for its heartfelt storytelling and strong friendships. While the reunion highlighted unresolved issues between the two actresses, it also serves as a reminder of the complexities of human relationships, even among those who have shared significant experiences. As Ward and Fishel continue to navigate their past and present dynamics, fans can only hope that their shared history on the show will ultimately serve as a foundation for healing and understanding. For now, Ward remains focused on moving forward, emphasizing that there are more important issues in the world than the petty disagreements that overshadowed their reunion.