The decision for rehab came after fans expressed worries about Panettiere’s well-being, particularly after she appeared to slur her words during a September 18 interview with People. During that interview, she spoke about her daughter, Kaya, and her own struggles, but many viewers noted her concerning speech and demeanor. Following the video’s release, social media users urged the outlet to remove it, with comments highlighting her slurred speech and overall condition.
Panettiere addressed the concerns in an Instagram post on September 22, explaining that she was exhausted after not sleeping for two days due to her dog recovering from surgery. She clarified that her representative cut the interview short when it became clear she was struggling to continue.
The actress has been candid about her past struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction, describing the ups and downs of her recovery journey. She expressed a sense of accomplishment in overcoming her challenges, stating, “I don’t regret even the ugliest things that have happened to me. I feel incredibly accomplished. And I feel like I have a second chance.”
In addition to her health issues, fans remain concerned about her tumultuous relationship with Hickerson. The couple began dating in August 2018 and has broken up several times amid allegations of domestic violence. Hickerson faced multiple legal issues related to these incidents, including a protective order issued against him after his 2019 arrest. Although the charges were dropped, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts in 2021 and served a short prison sentence. Currently, he is on probation until 2025.
Recent incidents, including a public altercation captured on video in March 2022, have continued to draw attention to their troubled relationship.