Hayden Panettiere concerns ‘uncomfortable’ and ‘sad’ interview: ‘It’s complete exploitation’

Hayden Panettiere gave an emotional interview to People magazine in which she spoke about sensitive topics such as her brother’s death, but her behavior in the clip has raised serious concerns among fans.

However, her rep denied to Page Six that Panettiere has relapsed.

A video posted to People’s Instagram on Wednesday shows the 35-year-old “Nashville” alum struggling to articulate her words and speaking slurredly. Her eyes also appear to be glazed over.

“Poor Hayden. Obviously she’s not sober. Do better guys,” one user commented beneath the post, echoing several comments that called out the publication for releasing the interview in the first place.

Another person added: “I’m shocked this was posted… it’s uncomfortable and sad to see.”

A third commented that they thought Panettiere looked “drunk” and that it reminded them of Anna Nicole Smith, who died of an accidental drug overdose in 2007.

Even former “Dancing With the Stars” cast member Peta Murgatroyd urged people to take action, writing, “This interview needs to be taken down ASAP!!”

Meanwhile, another user concluded, “This is absolute abuse” before surmising, “This is an abuser which is obviously very unhealthy [sic],

Page Six reached out to People for comment on the response but did not receive an immediate response.

Panettiere’s rep told Page Six that for the actress, “it was very emotional for her to talk about her brother for the first time — and it had been a long and tiring day for her. She was not intoxicated.”

A source said Panettiere “fully cooperated” during the interview and video and that her team “was present on set during filming.”

We’re also told the “Remember the Titans” star wanted to share her story with the publication — “as she has done for years” — about how “she has dealt with her grief and is finding peace.”

In July 2022, Panettiere opened up to the public about her secret struggles with alcohol and opioid abuse.

Her introduction to pills began when she was just 15, before she hit the red carpet, but then it “opened the doors” to deeper problems.

“Things were getting out of control [off set]“And as I got older, drugs and alcohol became things I almost couldn’t live without,” the “Heroes” alumnus shared at the time.

Panettiere struggled with postpartum depression after giving birth to her daughter, Kaia (who is now 9).

“Those were really tough years,” the “Bring It On: All or Nothing” star said.

Kaya then went to live with her father Wladimir Klitschko in Ukraine for a while, while Panettiere was in an allegedly abusive relationship with her boyfriend Brian Hickerson in the US.

The “Scream VI” star lost her brother, Jensen Panettiere, in February 2023. He died of an enlarged heart at just 28 years old.

Hayden briefly got sober in early 2020 when she went to an inpatient rehab center, People reported in a Wednesday story.

The magazine did not reveal whether the “Raising Helen” actress has fallen back into substance abuse, but she did open up honestly about her struggle with grief during a Q&A session.

“I had to look at my own horrific images coming out of Jensen’s funeral, which took place in a very private place, and it was shocking,” he said.

“My agoraphobia came out, which I’ve struggled with before.”

Hayden said she had gained weight due to the stress, but after exercising with a trainer and going on “beautiful walks”, her confidence returned and she was able to relieve some of the stress.

However, she is often saddened by her brother’s death, and admits, “I’ll always be sad about that. I’ll never get over it. No matter how many years go by, I’ll never get over his loss.”

If you or someone you know is struggling with a substance abuse problem, please contact the SAMHSA Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP.