Hayden Panettiere is speaking out following recent concern and criticism about her health. The 35-year-old Scream star has responded to comments about her “slurred speech” during an interview with People magazine, offering her side of the story in a candid statement.
“I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine,” Hayden began in her response. The actress expressed her disbelief over the situation, explaining, “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 revealed that her exhaustion played a big role in the interview, citing a stressful situation at home. “I hadn’t slept for two days prior to the shoot due to one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency surgical procedure,” she shared. Despite the emotional toll, Hayden pushed through a long day of work. “It was an 8-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for 1 hour,” she explained.
According to the actress, the interview started well, but fatigue soon took over. “For the record, its beginning is not included in the version PEOPLE Magazine posted. I was exhausted. My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading—especially as the subject matter became heavier,” Hayden continued. She also disclosed that she and her team asked for the chance to reshoot or follow up another day. “We asked the interviewer if we could re-do it another day or do a follow-up interview on Zoom. She assured us that it wasn’t necessary, and that she felt it was an emotional and heartfelt interview. We were also told they would edit it and that it would be a beautiful piece.”
Panettiere disclosed that she had no control over the final product. “The magazine does not grant approval for images or video interviews before they run. We see the interview when it goes live,” she revealed. This lack of editorial input, combined with her visible exhaustion, sparked a wave of online criticism.
But for Panettiere, the bigger issue isn’t just the comments about her interview—it’s the culture of online toxicity. “Grief looks different on everyone,” she stated, addressing speculation about her personal life and health. “Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor. I am doing interviews to promote my new film because I am proud of it.”
Hayden didn’t shy away from calling out the harmful side of the internet, either. “The real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by clickbait,” she said. Mental health, she emphasized, is a critical issue, and she urged people to be more mindful of their words. “I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone.”
The actress expressed her gratitude to those who supported her amid the controversy. “For those of you who have come to my defense amidst this chaos, I am so grateful,” she said. She concluded her statement with a reminder that no one is perfect. “Like I’ve said before, I am a work in progress. We all are.”
With her new film on the horizon, Panettiere is determined to stay focused on her career, addressing the noise around her with honesty and grace.
