Actress Hayden Panettiere is speaking out after her appearance during an interview with People was ridiculed.
“I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine,” she began in her Sept. 22 Instagram post.
On Sept. 18, an emotional Panettiere was seen on camera while she talked about her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere’s unexpected death in 2023.
In the comments, people shared their concern for Panettiere, who appeared to be slurring her words.
Panettiere’s demeanor remained the same while she happily discussed her young daughter in a second video shared by People.
Now, Panettiere is defending herself, saying “it’s unfathomable that I’m even in this position, but I feel forced to address it in a space where I won’t be criticized for how fast or slow I speak.”
Panettiere said before the interview she “hadn’t slept for two days prior” because “one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency surgical procedure.”
“It was an 8-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for 1 hour,” Panettiere continued.
“I was exhausted,” she said on social media. “My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading—especially as the subject matter became heavier.”
The actress said they asked if they could do the interview again at a later time, “or do a follow up interview on zoom.” But Panettiere was “assured that it wasn’t necessary, and that she felt it was an emotional and heartfelt interview.”
Panettiere said she didn’t see the interview before it went live.
“Grief looks different on everyone. Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor.”
“The real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by click bait. Mental health is so important, and I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone. For those of you who have come to my defense amidst this chaos I am so grateful,” Panettiere wrote.
“Like I’ve said before, I am a work in progress. We all are.”
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