Hayden Panettiere addresses mental health concerns after 'heartbreaking' interview on late brother Jansen

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hayden Panettiere’s representatives are addressing concerns raised by fans after a recent interview sparked worry about the actress’s well-being.

In a video interview with PEOPLE, the 35-year-old 'Scream' and 'Nashville' star opened up about the heartbreaking loss of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, who died at 28 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

Hayden Panettiere’s rep issues statement after fans worry after recent video

Panettiere, visibly emotional during the interview, spoke candidly about her ongoing grief: "Losing my little brother... it was my job to protect him. And when I lost him, I felt like I lost half of my soul."

"I remember saying to somebody, and it hadn't even been a year, and I was like, 'Don't ever, ever expect me to get over the loss of him. Because no matter how many years go by, he will always be beside me and I will always be heartbroken about it. I will never be able to get over it."

However, some fans and even celebrities grew concerned over Panettiere’s demeanor, with comments pointing out that she appeared to slur her speech. One fan remarked, “I watched this whole thing. Hayden does not look sober,” while another added, "Poor Hayden. Obviously not sober."

Another user wrote, "Nooooo!! What happened to cute, adorable Hayden?? Heartbreaking!"

'Dancing With the Stars' Peta Murgatroyd also expressed worry, urging, "This interview should be removed asap!!"

"Time to check back in to drug treatment," a user wrote, while another added, "Unrecognizable."

In response to the mounting concerns, Panettiere’s rep issued a statement via Page Six, assuring the public that there is no cause for concern. They explained, "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 rep also noted that Panettiere “fully cooperated” throughout the shoot, and her team was present for the entire duration.

Jansen Panettiere struggled with substance abuse before his tragic death, neighbors reveal

Jansen Panettiere, the younger brother of actress Hayden Panettiere, had a history of substance abuse leading up to his untimely death in February 2023.

His parents, Lesley Vogel and Skip Panettiere, issued a statement following his death, revealing that the 28-year-old's "sudden passing was due to cardiomegaly (enlarged heart) coupled with aortic valve complications."

Despite the official cause of death being linked to heart issues, sources close to Jansen disclosed that he had been battling drug addiction. According to a report by Daily Mail, Jansen had attended rehab for his addiction to drugs in 2023 and appeared to have made strides in his recovery. However, he reportedly relapsed, returning to substance use, including the abuse of Oxycodone.

Neighbors recalled troubling signs in the years before his death, describing how Jansen frequently appeared "wasted" and disheveled, often returning home in the middle of the night.

"He'd come out of a car at 4 am wasted," one neighbor recounted. Another described Jansen as a "very nice guy" who was "friendly and generous," but noted his struggles with substance abuse were evident, saying he "popped Oxycodone pills like gumballs."

In the weeks before his death, Jansen had "disappeared" for a period, and his father reportedly came to retrieve his belongings.

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