Hayden Panettiere has spoken out following public concern over a recent interview with People magazine that sparked discussion about her mental health.
In an Instagram post, the Nashville star clarified the situation, stating, “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.”
Panettiere further addressed speculation surrounding her sobriety and mental health, stating, “Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor.”
She explained that exhaustion was a significant factor in her appearance during the interview, noting that the interview followed an eight-hour shoot.
According to the 35-year-old actress, her representative stopped the interview early when it became clear she was fading. She claimed that People had assured her they would edit the piece thoughtfully.
Panettiere also expressed her frustration with the impact of social media, describing it as “toxic” and accusing the news cycle of prioritizing “click bait.”
The viral interview had sparked outrage online, with many social media users criticizing the magazine for posting the video. One user described the clip as “uncomfortable and sad to watch,” while Dancing With the Stars alum Peta Murgatroyd called for its removal.
Panettiere’s representative has since denied any claims that she had relapsed, attributing her emotional state to exhaustion following a long day and discussions about personal matters.
