In a candid interview on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Hayden Panettiere, 36, shared the emotional and heartbreaking decision she made to give up custody of her daughter Kaya, now 11, amid struggles with addiction and postpartum depression.
The Heroes star explained that the decision, made in 2018, was not easy but necessary for Kaya’s well-being. “The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be okay with it is heartbreaking. Couldn’t be further from the truth,” Panettiere said, admitting that she “desperately” needed help at the time.
She reflected on how she felt completely lost while battling mental health issues, including severe postpartum depression, which led to her feeling “incapable of being a semi-decent mom.” Despite her personal struggles, Panettiere emphasized that Kaya does not feel abandoned. “I have an incredible relationship with her. We talk about deep things, and I know she knows that she has two parents who would do anything in the world to make sure she’s happy and healthy.”
Panettiere also revealed that her decision to seek help was driven by her realization that she could no longer live in the painful state she was in. She expressed gratitude for the support of her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko, who helped her get the assistance she needed.
In the interview, Panettiere also opened up about a traumatic experience from her youth, where at just 18, she was coerced into an uncomfortable situation with a “famous undressed man” aboard a boat, a moment she now recognizes as a dangerous and naive part of her career.
Panettiere’s emotional journey continues to inspire and shed light on the struggles many face with mental health, addiction, and personal trauma.
Her story is one of resilience, love, and ultimately, the deep bond between mother and daughter that defies any distance. 💖
