Hayden Panettiere addresses concerns for her health after recent People interview: 'I was exhausted'

Hayden Panettiere has set the record straight, addressing concerns for her health.

Last week the star, 35, appeared in a tell-all interview with People, including a video, in which she opened up about the devastating loss of her younger brother Jansen in 2023.

The on-camera interview went viral over concerns for the Nashville alum's wellbeing and sobriety, with claims her speech appeared to be slurred.

Now, days later, Panettiere has taken to social media to explain she had been "exhausted".

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"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 criticised for how fast or slow I speak," she wrote on Instagram this morning.

In her lengthy statement, the actress said her dog underwent emergency surgery before the interview, which meant she "hadn't slept for two days".

Panettiere said the interview followed an eight-hour-long shoot.

"My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading – especially as the subject matter became heavier."

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In her interview, the star detailed the physical toll her brother's sudden death had on her.

Panettiere's brother Jansen, 28, died in 2023 due to an undiagnosed heart condition.

"Grief looks different on everyone," Panettiere told her 782,000 followers.

"Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone's business and is between me and my doctor," she said, responding to concerns she had broken her sobriety.

Panettiere has been open over the years about her history of addiction to opioids and alcohol. Her rep already told Page Six she was "not under the influence" for the chat.

The Heroes actress concluded her statement by calling out social media "toxicity".

"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."

Panettiere signed off by thanking those who had defended her.

The star's remarks come after the People magazine comments section on Instagram was flooded with pleas to take down the interview.

Panettiere is best known for starring in the 2000s hit series Heroes as well as roles in Bring It On: All or Nothing, Scream 4 and more recently Nashville.

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