Hayden Panettiere’s latest interview, where she discussed the loss of her brother, has raised alarm among fans. Many were troubled by her appearance and speech, instead of what she had to say during the conversation.
Hayden Panettiere, 35, opened up to People about the death of her younger brother, Jansen Panettiere. This was her first public interview since his passing in 2023. While her intent was to share her grief and healing process, fans and online users focused more on her demeanor and raised concerns about her well-being.
In that interview, the actress shared her deep grief and struggles since losing her brother. “When I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul,” she revealed. The heartbreaking experience led to a prolonged period of isolation, weight gain, and a bout of agoraphobia.
Hayden also discussed the deep bond she had with Jansen and how his unexpected death left her devastated. “He was my only sibling, and it was my job to protect him,” she said tearfully. The days following his death were especially difficult for her, especially because intrusive paparazzi photos from the funeral surfaced online and intensified her trauma.
Her insecurities and sadness made her constantly question herself. She admitted that it started a harmful habit of wondering if she was “good enough to go out.” Luckily, the support of her personal trainer, Marnie Alton, helped her regain confidence. Eventually, she overcame her agoraphobia.
Over time, her self-worth returned, although she knows that the loss of her brother is something she will carry with her forever. “I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it,” she shared.
Despite Hayden’s emotional honesty, concern over her demeanor quickly overshadowed the conversation. Her body language and speech raised serious alarm. Fans quickly took to social media to express their outrage.
Many speculated whether the actress had relapsed into her past struggles with addiction. One fan commented, “Slurred speech, eyes can barely stay open trying to make it through long words clearly not sober. Very sad [sic].”
Another concerned viewer added, “This is complete exploitation. This is an addict who is clearly very unsober.” Some even compared her behavior to that of Anna Nicole Smith, who had her own well-publicized battle with substance abuse.
User comments on Hayden Panettiere’s interview | Source: Instagram/people
Even “Dancing with the Stars” professional Peta Murgatroyd chimed in, writing, “This interview should be removed asap!!” However, not all responses were critical.
Some defended Hayden vehemently. “You guys act like certain prescribed meds for severe mental conditions can’t zone you out… judging when you don’t even know,” one fan wrote.
Another echoed, “Hayden, you cope with this any way you know how. I couldn’t even imagine the pain you’re going through.” In response to the growing concern, her representative told Page Six that the actress had not relapsed.
They explained that the emotional weight of the interview, combined with a long and tiring day, affected her appearance. “She was not under the influence,” the rep stated.
The worry surrounding Hayden’s condition comes in part from her history of addiction struggles. In a 2022 interview with People, the actress revealed her years-long battle with opioids and alcohol and admitted that it almost cost her career. “I was on top of the world, and I ruined it,” she shared.
Her addiction journey started when she was just 15. Someone on her team introduced her to “happy pills” before public appearances. They didn’t realize it would lead to years of dependency.
At the height of her fame in “Heroes” and “Nashville,” she battled her addictions privately while maintaining her public image. But it would only get more difficult.
After giving birth to her daughter, Kaya, in 2014, Hayden’s postpartum depression exacerbated her alcohol dependency. Meanwhile, her relationship with Wladimir Klitschko, Kaya’s father, began to deteriorate, leading to their eventual split.
Finally, in 2018, Hayden made the difficult decision to send Kaya to live with Klitschko in Ukraine, explaining that she wanted to be a good mother and sometimes that meant letting her go. “It was the hardest thing I ever had to do,” she confessed.
Hayden’s drinking worsened after her daughter’s departure, leading to severe health problems, including jaundice. Doctors warned her that her liver was failing, which led her to seek rehab for eight months.
Now sober, Hayden credits therapy and her determination to change for her recovery. She also mentioned in her latest interview that despite not being physically close to her daughter every day, Kaya became her “mini-me.”
Her struggles with addiction can be compared to other Hollywood celebrities, like Amanda Bynes and Britney Spears, who entered entertainment at young ages. In fact, before Hayden became widely recognized for her roles in “Heroes,” “Nashville,” and the “Scream” franchise, she was a child star.
She appeared in productions like “Too Rich: The Secret Life of Doris Duke,” “Touched by an Angel,” and “If You Believe.” Hayden also had guest roles on “Law & Order: Special Victims Unit” and “Ally McBeal.”
As we previously reported, in late February 2023, the family of Hayden revealed the cause of her brother’s passing. Jansen died unexpectedly on February 19, 2023, at 28 years old, leaving behind his family and girlfriend.
Like his older sister, Jansen was an actor known for his roles in the film “The Last Day of Summer”, his voice works in “The X’s” and “Ice Age: The Meltdown”, and his appearance in the series “The Walking Dead”.
The family released a statement a week after his death talking about the tragedy and giving fans more information. They revealed, “Jansen’s heart could be seen in his eyes…” His parents, Alan “Skip” Panettiere and Lesley Vogel, plus his sister added:
“His charisma, warmth, compassion for others, and his creative spirit will live forever in our hearts and in the hearts of all whom he encountered.”
Hayden Panettiere, Jansen Panettiere, and Lesley Vogel at a screening of “Sharkwater Extinction” on January 31, 2019, in Hollywood, California | Source: Getty Images
Jansen is warmly remembered by those who were close to him, especially his family, who also revealed that he’d passed away from an enlarged heart, which led a fan to comment that his heart was “too big for this world.” Medically, it’s called cardiomegaly, but his condition was also “coupled with aortic valve complications.”
