Hayden Panettiere responds to controversial interview where fans noticed 'slurred speech'

Hayden Panettiere claims she's been 'forced' to release a statement addressing speculation surrounding her 'slurred speech' in a recent recorded interview.

The Bring It On star sat down with PEOPLE Magazine earlier this week to open up on her personal life, though many viewers were left concerned over Panettiere's health after she appeared to struggle getting her words out.

The celebrity news outlet first released a teaser of the actor's meeting on Instagram over the weekend, during which she could be seen discussing her likeness to her 10-year-old daughter.

In the hours that followed, thousands of anxious fans flooded to the comments, concerned about Panettiere after she was seen supposedly rolling her eyes and struggling with some slowed-down speech.

In the full video interview - which was later uploaded to People's YouTube channel before being shared on social media - the 35-year-old also discussed her younger brother Jansen, who suddenly died of an 'enlarged heart' last year, aged just 28.

As such, viewers have also implored the publication to 'remove' both the teaser clip and the full video upload, accusing the outlet of 'exploiting' the star during a time of supposed ill health.

Since then, Panettiere has also released a statement addressing the situation.

Taking to her own Instagram page, she penned in a lengthy caption: "I would like to take a moment to address the controversy surrounding an interview I recently completed with PEOPLE Magazine.

"It’s unfathomable that I’m even in this position, but I feel forced to address it in a space where I won’t be criticized for how fast or slow I speak."

The actress went on to claim that she 'hadn't slept for two days prior' due to her dog recovering from surgery, adding she was 'exhausted' by the '8-hour shoot'.

"My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading—especially as the subject matter became heavier," she continued.

"We asked the interviewer if we could re-do it another day or do a follow up interview on zoom. She assured us that it wasn’t necessary, and that she felt it was an emotional and heartfelt interview.

"We were also told they would edit it and that it would be a beautiful piece. The magazine does not grant approval for images or video interviews before they run. We see the interview when it goes live."

Addressing fans' concern directly, the mother-of-one went on: "Grief looks different on everyone. Whether or not I am on medication is none of anyone’s business and is between me and my doctor.

"I am doing interviews to promote my new film because I am proud of it. The real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by click bait.

"Mental health is so important, and I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone.

"For those of you who have come to my defense amidst this chaos I am so grateful. Like I’ve said before, I am a work in progress. We all are."

Tyla contacted People Magazine for comment on the criticism.