Hayden Panettiere gave an emotional interview to People magazine in which she discussed sensitive topics such as the death of her brother, but her behavior in the clips caused serious concern among her fans.
A video of the meeting posted to People’s Instagram on Wednesday shows the 35-year-old “Nashville” alum seemingly having difficulty articulating her words clearly and speaking slurredly. Her eyes also appear glassy.
“Poor Hayden. Obviously not sober. Do better guys,” one user commented under the post, echoing several comments criticizing the magazine for publishing the interview in the first place.
A second person chimed in: “I’m shocked this is being posted… it’s uncomfortable and sad to watch.”
A third said Panettiere appeared to be “under the influence” and reminded him of Anna Nicole Smith, who died of an accidental drug overdose in 2007.
Even “Dancing With the Stars” star Peta Murgatroyd wrote and pleaded with People: “This interview should be removed ASAP!!”
Another user concluded, “This is total exploitation,” but then speculated, “This is an addict who is obviously not sober.”
Page Six reached out to People for comment on the backlash but did not immediately receive a response.
Requests for comment to Panettiere’s rep were not returned. Page Six cannot confirm whether Panettiere was under the influence during the interview.
However, a source exclusively told Page Six that Panettiere was “fully cooperative” during the interview and video and her team “was on set for the entire duration of filming.”
We were also told that the Against All Odds star wanted to share her story with the publication – “as she has over the years” – and how “she has dealt with her grief and found peace.”
In July 2022, Panettiere actually spoke to People about her secret battle with alcoholism and opioid abuse.
At the age of 15, before she even stepped on the red carpet, she started taking pills, but this opened the door to even deeper problems.
“Things kept getting out of control (outside of filming),” the “Heroes” alumnus said at the time, “and as I got older, the drugs and alcohol became something I almost couldn’t live without.”
After the birth of her now 9-year-old daughter Kaya, Panettiere suffered from postnatal depression.
“Those were really tough years,” added the star of “United Nations: All or Nothing.”
Kaya then moved to Ukraine to live with her father Wladimir Klitschko for a while, while Panettiere was in the US in an allegedly abusive relationship with her on-off boyfriend Brian Hickerson.
In February 2023, the “Scream VI” star lost her brother Jansen Panettiere. He died of an enlarged heart at the age of just 28.
In Wednesday’s story, People reported that Hayden became sober sometime in early 2020 when she entered an inpatient rehab center.
The magazine did not reveal whether the “Raising Helen” actress has since suffered a relapse, but during the Q&A she spoke honestly about her recent struggle with grief.
“I had to see horrific paparazzi photos of me coming out of Jansen’s funeral, which was in a very private place, and it was shocking,” she said.
“My agoraphobia, which I had struggled with in the past, came to the surface.”
Hayden said she gained weight because of all the stress, but through working out with a trainer and taking “beautiful walks” she regained her confidence and was able to release some of the tension.
However, she is still struggling with her brother’s death. “I will always be heartbroken. I will never get over it. No matter how many years pass, I will never be able to get over his loss.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, please call the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.
