Hayden Panettiere is saying “bring it on” over recent online backlash.
ICYMI: People Magazine posted a series of interviews where Hayden details her feelings following the death of her younger brother (and only sibling) Jansen. Jansen tragically passed away suddenly in 2023.
The video segment was the first time the actress publicly spoke out about her grief.
Another video involved Hayden speaking candidly about her daughter, Kaya Klitschko, who moved to Ukraine full time with her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko.
Hayden has spoken out about her bout with post-partum depression following her daughter’s birth in 2014. It was even written into her storyline as Juliette Barnes on Nashville.
When the couple split in 2018, Kaya’s mom and dad both decided it was in her best interest to live full time with Wladimir.
From tragically losing her daughter AND brother, Hayden is navigating grief the best way she knows how — including calling out People.
Over the weekend, the Scream actress took to her Instagram to address the backlash from the videos.
Fans were quick to call out Hayden’s behavior and question her sobriety journey.
Hayden’s Response
“I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine,” the actress began on her September 22nd post.
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“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. 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. It was an 8-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for 1 hour.”
She then goes on to criticize the mag. Her rep noticed her “fading” as well as the subject matter becoming heavier. Her team asked for a follow up zoom interview another day, but the Mag denied their request, promising the interview was emotional and beautiful. Hayden said the Mag also denied her the ability to see the story or interview prior to being posted.
She ends her caption speaking to her grief journey.
“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. I am doing interviews to promote my new film because I am proud of it. 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. Like I’ve said before, I am a work in progress. We all are. – Hayden”
Final Thoughts
I don’t know why but I’ve always had a tether to Hayden and it breaks my heart the devastation she’s gone through. She’s brough to life many of my favorite characters.
Ashley and I had a conversation over the weekend about journalistic integrity. We are both self-aware enough to know our blog isn’t NPR or any hard hitting news outlet. It’s a blog where we “report” on pop culture news and try to foster and build an online community where we can connect with other reality tv and pop culture lovers.
In our attempt, we do throw the subtle shade and snark when warranted or appropriate. For a major entertainment publication to knowingly allude or post a video for rage engagement is not only unethical (hello journalism degree) but morally void of all integrity.
We literally see in real time how fame and internet culture affected Britney Spears, Lindsay Lohan, and Amanda Bynes. It both starts and ends with “us” as a collective. We need to do better and be better before the “in memory” posts come.
There’s always an appropriate time to throw shade and be messy, and we like to think we’ve mastered the distinction. You will never see us pander to rage bait or anything icky. We pride ourselves on knowing the difference.
It just goes to show you, living in Hollywood isn’t what it cracked up to be.
