Home / Arts and Entertainment / Hayden Panettiere: Custody Loss Saved My Life
Hayden Panettiere: Custody Loss Saved My Life
11 May
Summary
- Panettiere revealed signing custody of her daughter was to save herself.
- She explained this difficult choice amid addiction and mental health struggles.
- Despite distance, her bond with daughter Kaya remains strong.
Actress Hayden Panettiere recently disclosed the profound emotional reasons behind her 2018 decision to transfer full custody of her daughter, Kaya, to her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere explained on the "On Purpose with Jay Shetty" podcast that the move was not an act of abandonment but a critical step in her own recovery from addiction, anxiety, and postpartum depression.
She described feeling lost and spiraling privately while trying to maintain a public persona. Panettiere clarified that she was the one seeking help, stating, "I desperately need help." Although Kaya, now 11, lives overseas, Panettiere confirmed they maintain a close relationship through regular FaceTime calls and deep conversations.
Panettiere expressed that she believes Kaya does not feel abandoned, understanding that both parents are dedicated to her happiness and health. The "Heroes" alum has previously described the custody decision as a "living nightmare" and the "most heartbreaking thing" she has ever experienced.
