Hayden Panettiere 'forced' to address interview about brother Jansen's death after mental health concerns

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Hayden Panettiere has been 'forced' to address fans' doubts about her mental health and sobriety following a viral interview in which she talked about her late brother Jansen.

The 35-year-old former child star took to Instagram on Sunday, September 22, and blamed fatigue and sleep deprivation for her behavior in the video.

Hayden Panettiere blames lack of sleep and exhaustion for emotional 'heartbroken' interview

In the People interview that was released on Wednesday, September 18, Panettiere discussed the tragic death of her younger brother Jansen Panettiere for the first time, and who died in 2023 from an unidentified cardiac disease.

The 'Remember the Titans' actress seemed to slur her words and had glassy eyes during the interview.

Following Internet speculation over the video, the 'Scream' actress shared details about her health struggle in a long Instagram post.

Panettiere offered her side of the story following concerns from fans who raised doubts about her sobriety and mental health.

She wrote, "I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine."

"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."

"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. It was an eight-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for one hour," she continued.

Although the interview "started well," said Panettiere, she was "exhausted," and as a result her "rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading—especially as the subject matter became heavier."

Panettiere also addressed claims that she was intoxicated during the conversation and stated that she still grieves the untimely death of her brother.

"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," she added.

Hayden Panettiere addresses 'toxicity of social media'

The single mother further stressed in her Instagram post how worried she was about the discussion surrounding the interview video.

Panettiere said, "The real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by click bait. 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."

The 'Nashville' actress concluded the lengthy letter with a note to her fans.

"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," she said.

Previously, Panettiere's representative attributed her demeanor to tiredness following a profoundly personal conversation.

The actress' spokesperson explained to Page Six, "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 representative added and categorically denied that her client had relapsed.

Fans praise Hayden Panettiere for opening up about her grief

Following Hayden Panettiere's recent post, fans and followers flocked to the comment section to express their support for the grieving actress. One wrote, "I love you hayden, i’m so sorry you felt you had to explain yourself"

A second follower added, "We were concerned because we care about you and didn’t want you to be exploited while you’re grieving. Glad you’re okay."

A third fan added, "Beautifully written Hayden. Mental health is the most important thing to take care of. Keep being you and keep taking care of yourself. Its hard sometimes but at least were trying right! Big love to you girl"

"I’m so sorry you have to explain urself grief is just so different for everyone much luv," exclaimed one fan.

"Take care of you Hayden! Clearly we could see how affected you were from the topic talked about..." chimed in one.

One fan wrote, "We love you Hayden. Your true fans are here for you. Stay strong. We’re all over the moon about your new movie."

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