Vanessa Hudgens is reportedly not upset that ex Zac Efron didn’t perform with her or the rest of their High School Musical cast mates for their recent appearance on The Disney Family Singalong .
The former Disney Channel stars’ relationship appeared back in the headlines this week due to the reunion . Although Hudgens and Efron both participated in the ABC special event, he decided to sit out the performance segment of the piece, instead introducing the cast before they sang their hit, “We’re All in this Together.”
Following the segment, Hollywood Life reports many of Efron’s fans were upset he didn’t join Hudgens and their fellow co-stars Corbin Bleu, Ashley Tisdale, Monique Coleman, and Lucas Grabeel to perform. While he didn’t explain why he didn’t sing during the show, some fans had the theory that he could have opted out due to his history with Hudgens. The two — who played love interests Troy Bolton and Gabriella Montez in the movie series — formed a real-life romance while filming. The then-it couple’s relationship lasted from 2005-2010.
Although that may have been a factor in Efron’s absence during the viral performance, Hudgens was reportedly only focused on her own role in the special. The Rent actress reportedly didn’t think about whether her ex would be performing with her, instead only concerned about helping those in need. The special — which also included performances by Ariana Grande, Beyoncé, Demi Lovato, and more — aired to help those who have been affected by the coronavirus pandemic.
“Regardless of Zac not singing it is nothing she can control,” the source shared. “She did it for her reasons and he did it for his reasons, she can’t babysit others’ plans. She is proud to have done it and that’s that.”
Coleman, who played Hudgens’ on-screen best friend in the musical trilogy, previously shared why Efron couldn’t perform with the rest of the cast. Instead of placing blame on Hudgens, she said his issues with performing were more technical than personal. She said he is currently filming his new show for Quibi in Papa New Guinea, so he faced issues with his Internet connection and wasn’t able to be there for the live performance.
“I thought it was really cool that he was able to come in at the last minute and just do something,” Coleman shared. “Zac to me is one of the realest people I’ve known and he’s always been very grounded and more concerned with being a person than a celebrity, and I respect that.”
Following their split, both Hudgens and Efron moved on to different relationships. Hudgens dated actor Austin Butler for nine years before they decided to part ways in January. Efron has been linked to several actresses throughout the years, including Lily Collins and his Baywatch co-star, Alexandra Daddario.