Hayden Panettiere broke her silence amid a recent controversial interview with People magazine where she was filmed slurring her words, subsequently sparking substance abuse worries. Taking to her Instagram page on Sunday (September 22), the actress said she was running on barely any sleep, suggesting that the publication refused to reschedule despite her being “exhausted”.
“I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine,” Hayden started her post, which was accompanied by a photograph of herself standing next to a giant screen with her name displayed on it.
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Hayden Panettiere broke her silence amid a recent controversial interview with People magazine
The Nashville star went on to reveal that the interview she had accepted with the American tabloid included an eight-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview “that was supposed to last for one hour.”
Hayden further revealed: “The interview started well, and 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.
“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.”
The 35-year-old Hollywood star went on to state that she and her representative had been told that her now-infamous interview would be edited and that the outcome of it would be “beautiful.”
“The magazine does not grant approval for images or video interviews before they run,” she explained. “We see the interview when it goes live.”
Hayden Panettiere added: “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 clickbait.”
She was filmed slurring her words, subsequently sparking substance abuse worries
She concluded: “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.”
Following Hayden Panettiere new Instagram post, a slew of people came to her defense, as Maria Full Of Grace actress Catalina Sandino Moreno commented: “Well said baby! Sending you ALL the love in the world.”
An Instagram user commented: “Everyone is on your side, girl.”
“Very important statement beautifully said!” A netizen added. “Cannot wait to support your new film. We love you!!”
Hayden previously opened up about the death of her little brother, Jansen Panettiere
“You should not have to say a word!” Someone else added. “@People should be ashamed of themselves for posting it. They knew exactly what they were doing.”
Jersey Shore star Jenni “JWoww” Farley chimed in, commenting with three hand in a prayer emojis.
This comes after Hayden’s team addressed rumors head-on after fans began churning theories about her sobriety in light of People magazine’s interview.
After speculations ran wild, the actress’ rep addressed the rumors and asserted that she was not under the influence.
“Speaking about her brother for the first time was very emotional for her — and it had been a long and exhausting day for her. She was not under the influence,” the source told Page Six.
“As she has throughout the years,” the actress wanted to share her story of how “she faced her grief and is finding peace,” the source added.
In addition to her team being on set “for the duration of the shoot,” the rep noted that she had “fully cooperated” during the interview.
