Hayden Panettiere speaks out about ‘unfathomable’ controversy after her ‘slurred words’ interview sparked concern

Hayden Panettiere has spoken out after many fans voiced their concerns after she appeared to slur her words during an interview.

Last week, many headlines were made after the actor sat down with People for an interview, where she talked about numerous topics, including the loss of her brother, Jansen Panettiere, last year.

While there was a lot of honest conversation in the chat, including the mom speaking about her daughter, Kaya, and describing her as being 'just like her', many were left concerned by the singer's demeanour.

Panettiere seemingly struggled to pronounce her words in some clips while many noticed some slurred speech.

Fans were left concerned for Hayden Panettiere following the interview (Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images)

The fan concern led to Panettiere's representatives speaking out, saying: "It had been a long and exhausting day for her. She was not under the influence."

Now, the actor herself has issued a response.

In a statement posted to Instagram on Sunday (22 September), Panettiere began: "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."

She continued: "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 8-hour shoot followed by an on-camera interview that was supposed to last for 1 hour.

"The interview started well, and for the record, its beginning is not included in the version PEOPLE Magazine posted."

Panettiere went on to say her representative cut the interview short as she was 'fading'.

The actor has spoken out (Paula Lobo/ABC via Getty Images)

The actor went on: "We asked the interviewer if we could re-do it another day or do a follow up interview on Zoom.

"She assured us that it wasn’t necessary, and that she felt it was an emotional and heartfelt interview. We were also told they would edit it and that it would be a beautiful piece.

"The magazine does not grant approval for images or video interviews before they run. We see the interview when it goes live."

Amid the loss of her brother last year, the Nashville actor then touched on the importance of mental health.

She added: "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.

"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.

"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."

UNILAD has contacted People Magazine for comment.