AceShowbiz - Hayden Panettiere has addressed rising concerns about her well-being following a recent interview where she appeared emotional and fatigued. The viral video led to significant speculation about her sobriety, prompting both fans and colleagues to react.

The interview surfaced on People's Instagram, showing Panettiere discussing her brother Jansen's tragic passing and her daughter Kaya. Viewers quickly noted her "slurred speech" and "barely open" eyes, sparking fears about her health. One user commented, "Very sad 😢." Celebrity hair colorist Justin Anderson even implored People to take down the video, saying, "Don't highlight someone's off day like this for views 😢."

Responding to the outpouring of concern, Panettiere's representative clarified the situation, telling 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." Another source emphasized the actress fully cooperated during the interview, and her team was present throughout the shoot.

Panettiere, 35, has long been candid about her struggles with addiction, including alcoholism and opioid use. A source close to the actress stated she was in a particularly emotional state owing to the heavy topics discussed. Reflecting on her health battles and the profound impact of her brother's sudden death in 2023 due to an enlarged heart, Panettiere emotionally shared how she felt like she "lost half of [her] soul."

The actress has also admitted that the stress from her brother's passing led her body to undergo noticeable changes, which exacerbated her struggles with weight gain and self-image. "Within days, I basically ballooned out," she revealed, noting how stress and cortisol affected her body. She described developing agoraphobia and living in unflattering clothing because of her discomfort with her appearance.

The online reaction to the interview was not limited to concern. Former "Dancing with the Stars" pro Peta Murgatroyd declared, "This interview should be removed ASAP!" Others drew troubling parallels to the late Anna Nicole Smith, suggesting a palpable exploitation of Panettiere's vulnerability.

Through it all, Panettiere maintains her sobriety remains a daily choice. Speaking about her return to the public eye, she said, "I'm just so grateful to be part of this world again, and I will never take it for granted again."

As Panettiere continues to face personal and professional challenges, the response to her recent interview underscores the complex interplay between celebrity vulnerability and public perception.