Actress Hayden Panettiere Recounts Disturbing Boat Incident at Age 18
During a candid interview on the "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" podcast, actress Hayden Panettiere detailed a traumatic experience from her teenage years. The discussion coincides with the upcoming release of her memoir, "This Is Me: A Reckoning," which is scheduled for publication on May 19.
The Incident
Panettiere stated that when she was 18 years old, a female person she had previously trusted led her into a small room on a boat. According to Panettiere, the room contained a bed and an undressed man whom she described as "very famous." She alleged that the person who guided her there physically placed her in the bed next to the man.
"She physically put me in the bed next to this undressed man who was very famous."
Refusing to comply, Panettiere said she left the room and hid. She reported feeling trapped because the boat was at sea, and she believed no one present would be sympathetic. Above all, she expressed deep hurt over the betrayal by the trusted individual.
"When you really find somebody that you trust, you hold on to them for dear life and you feel so lucky. So to be betrayed like that is just an awful feeling."
Statements from the Interview
During the interview, Panettiere made the following statements regarding the incident and her perspective on maturity at the time:
-
On her age and development:
"The fact that I was 18, even though I'd lived such a huge life and I thought I was oh so mature at 18 scientifically, your frontal lobes don't develop until we're what, 25, 26?"
-
On her immediate reaction:
"This is not happening." (as recalled)
Additional Context
Panettiere also discussed her public acknowledgment of her bisexuality in a separate interview with US Weekly. She stated that she delayed speaking about her sexuality due to concerns about her image and public opinion.
Note: The names of the individuals involved in the boat incident were not disclosed.