Hayden Panettiere attempted to set the record straight after a recent interview where fans questioned her speech patterns and subsequent mental health and sobriety.
Panettiere, 35, was criticized for her slurred speech while discussing myriad topics, including her late brother’s death in 2023, in a video that’s since gone viral online.
“I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine,” she shared on Instagram Sunday. “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.”
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Hayden Panettiere defended herself against online critics. (Roy Rochlin/FilmMagic)
The “Heroes” actress admitted exhaustion and lack of sleep factored into her slurred speech during the filmed sit-down with the outlet.
“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 wrote. “It was an 8-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for 1 hour. The interview started well, and for the record, its beginning is not included in the version PEOPLE Magazine posted.
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“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.”
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Panettiere was “assured” that another interview wasn’t necessary and was told that she gave “an emotional and heartfelt interview.”
“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.”
“We were also told…