Anna Paquin calls out Hollywood's treatment of child stars after Hayden Panettiere's death
GREENVILLE, SOUTH CAROLINA: Anna Paquin is speaking out about Hollywood's treatment of young women following the untimely death of Hayden Panettiere at 36 on Sunday, August 16, while the investigation into her death remains active and ongoing.
The 'True Blood' actress highlighted how young actresses can go unsupported in the entertainment industry and how early trauma can lead to major challenges throughout adulthood.
Anna Paquin reflects on Hayden Panettiere and former child stars
Paquin shared a statement on Instagram on Friday, mourning Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg, who died at 39 in February 2025, and Daveigh Chase, who died at 35 from HIV in June.
Paquin, who became the second-youngest Best Supporting Actress winner at the Oscars at age 11 in 1994, wrote, “It’s not a coincidence that so many former female child stars who entered the industry at a young age have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends.”
She further added, “We were not as protected by the ‘systems’ that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be.” Paquin, who appeared in 'Scream 4' alongside Panettiere, wrote, “RIP HP, MT, DC and too many others. It’s a strange small club we belong to and you are worthy of support no matter how our industry makes us feel."
She also invited other former child stars to reach out to her, writing, “Literally DM me. I believe you and I will stand by your side. You aren’t alone. Let’s have each other’s backs. It might make public disclosure less terrifying.”
A few hours earlier, Rose McGowan, who appeared in the original 'Scream' in 1996 and began her career as a child model, wrote on Instagram, “Rest in Power Hayden Paniettiere. Don’t put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated.”
Hayden Panettiere's experience with adolescent fame
Panettiere detailed the turmoil of adolescent fame in her recent memoir 'This Is Me: A Reckoning.' She wrote that she “suffered from body dysmorphia for years” after reading a headline about her “cellulite” as a teenager.
She also wrote that a former publicist gave her a “happy pill” when she was 16, describing it as “the gateway substance that ushered me toward the good of pharmaceuticals and the downfall of addiction.”
Her body was released to her family on Tuesday, August 18, and transferred to a mortuary that evening, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office.
Coroner Mike Ellis said in a Monday, August 17 press release that an autopsy had been completed and “no signs of trauma were discovered that would have contributed to the death.” He noted that it could take up to three months for all autopsy results to be obtained.
Her death was confirmed by her representative in a statement on behalf of her father, Alan “Skip” Panettiere.
“It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden,” the statement read. “She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her — and to the millions who watched her onscreen.”
A law enforcement source told PEOPLE that Panettiere was with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson at the time of her death. According to a police report obtained by PEOPLE, Brian and his brother Zach were with Panettiere when EMS arrived, and Brian showed police to a “bag of medication” she was allegedly taking.
