Hayden Panettiere Defends Herself After Backlash Over Slurred Speech: "It's Unfathomable"

Hayden Panettiere is speaking out in the wake of criticisms she faced following her recent interview, where fans expressed concern over her speech while discussing heavy personal topics, including the tragic passing of her younger brother.

In a viral video interview with PEOPLE Magazine, the 35-year-old actress appeared to struggle with her words, prompting fans to question her mental health and sobriety. Responding to the backlash, Panettiere took to Instagram to clarify her situation, emphasizing how "unfathomable" it is to be in this position.

"I feel forced to address it in a space where I won’t be criticized for how fast or slow I speak," she stated firmly.

Behind the Scenes Struggles

Panettiere explained that her slurred speech was partly due to severe exhaustion, having not slept for two days prior to the shoot. "One of my dogs had an emergency surgery, and I was caring for him," she shared. The interview, originally planned to last one hour, extended over eight hours, leading to her fatigue impacting her performance.

"My representative ultimately stopped the interview early as it became clear I was fading, especially with the emotional weight of the topics discussed," she added.

Despite her concerns, Panettiere was assured by the media team that she had given an "emotional and heartfelt interview," and they would edit the footage to create a compelling piece. However, she later lamented the lack of control over how the final interview was presented.

The Reality of Grief

This interview was particularly significant for Panettiere as it marked her first public acknowledgment of her brother Jansen's death in February 2023. The impact of his loss has been profound. "When my little brother passed away, my body reacted in ways I've never seen before," she said, recalling how stress took a significant toll on her health.

"I felt like my body was ballooning out on its own, as if it was trying to shield itself from the pain of loss. It didn't matter what I did. My health deteriorated rapidly," she explained.

In addition to physical changes, Panettiere also grappled with agoraphobia post-funeral, confining herself to the comfort of her home. "I lived in sweatpants and T-shirts, struggling to face the world outside," she revealed.

A Call for Compassion

Panettiere urged her followers to reconsider the impact of their words, particularly on social media. “Mental health is critical, and what you say while hiding behind a screen can harm someone deeply,” she expressed passionately.

She concluded by expressing gratitude to her supporters, reminding them that everyone is a "work in progress," and encouraging kindness in an often toxic online environment.

This interview comes as Panettiere promotes her new film, highlighting not only her professional endeavors but also her ongoing battle with mental health in the difficult aftermath of personal tragedy. As she navigates her public life, Hayden Panettiere continues to advocate for understanding and compassion in a time when both are desperately needed.