Speaking at Northeastern University's April 29 graduation at Fenway Park in Boston, Duff told graduates that not every good opportunity or paycheck is right.
She said learning to say no helped her pause music, rebuild herself and refocus on family and business, but online critics argued that refusing opportunities is easier with financial security.
Supporters praised her for staying true to herself, while detractors on Instagram and Reddit said many people lack the economic freedom to turn work down.
Is Hilary Duff's advice to 'say no' an empowering message or a privilege reserved only for the wealthy?
In an age of AI and layoffs, is the freedom to choose your career path becoming an impossible dream?