Hayden Panettiere sparks concern with ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘sad’ interview: ‘This is complete exploitation’
Hayden Panettiere gave People magazine a heartfelt interview in which she spoke about vulnerable topics like her brother’s death, but her demeanor in the clips has sparked serious concern among fans.
However, her rep denies to Page Six exclusively that Panettiere has relapsed.
A video from the sit-down posted on People’s Instagram Wednesday shows the “Nashville” alum, 35, seemingly struggling to enunciate her words and having slurred speech. Her eyes also appear glazed.
“Poor Hayden. Obviously not sober. Do better People,” one user commented under the post, echoing several remarks that called out the publication for releasing the interview in the first place.
A second person weighed in, “I’m shocked this is posted…it’s uncomfortable and sad to watch.”
A third commented that they thought Panettiere appeared to be “under the influence” and reminded them of Anna Nicole Smith, who died of an accidental drug overdose in 2007.
Even “Dancing With the Stars” alum Peta Murgatroyd wrote in, imploring People, “This interview should be removed asap!!”
Meanwhile, another user concluded, “This is complete exploitation” before surmising, “This is an addict who is clearly very unsober [sic].”
Page Six has reached out to People for comment on the backlash but did not immediately hear back.
Panettiere’s rep tells Page Six that, for the actress, “speaking about her brother for the first time was very emotional for her — and it had been a long and exhausting day for her. She was not under the influence.”
A source adds that Panettiere “fully cooperated” during the interview and video, and her team “was on set for the duration of the shoot.”
We’re also told that the “Remember the Titans” star wanted to share her story with the publication — “as she has throughout the years” — of how “she faced her grief and is finding peace.”
In July 2022, Panettiere did indeed open up to People about her secret struggles with alcoholism and opioid abuse.
Her introduction to pills started when she was just 15 — prior to walking on red carpets, but it would then open the “door” to deeper problems.
“Things kept getting out of control [off set],” the “Heroes” alum shared at the time, “and as I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn’t live without.”
Panettiere then dealt with postpartum depression after she welcomed her daughter, Kaya, now 9.
“Those were really tough years,” the “Bring It On: All or Nothing” star added.
Kaya went to live with dad Wladimir Klitschko in the Ukraine for some time while, back in the US, Panettiere was in an allegedly abusive relationship with on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson.
The “Scream VI” star then lost her brother, Jansen Panettiere, in February 2023. He died from an enlarged heart at just 28 years old.
People reported in Wednesday’s story that Hayden had gotten sober sometime in early 2020 when she went to an inpatient rehab center.
The magazine did not disclose whether the “Raising Helen” actress has since relapsed, but she was honest about her recent struggles with grief during the Q&A.
“I had to see horrific paparazzi pictures of myself coming out of Jansen’s funeral, which happened in a very private place, and it was shocking,” she said.
“My agoraphobia came out, which is something I’ve struggled with in the past.”
Hayden said she gained weight from all of the stress, but after working out with a trainer and going on “beautiful walks,” she got her confidence back and was able to release some of the tension.
However, she is often still reeling over the death of her brother, admitting, “I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it. No matter how many years go by, I will never get over his loss.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please contact the SAMHSA helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
