The 36-year-old actress admitted that in 2018 she voluntarily signed over custody of her then young daughter, recognising that she needed help. According to her, she was “desperately in need of support” at the time and unable to cope with her emotional state on her own.
Speaking on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast, Panettiere emotionally pushed back against the widespread perception that her decision amounted to abandonment or indifference. She stressed that the idea of “giving up her child” is deeply painful to her because it does not reflect reality.
“The idea that someone would think I just gave up my child and didn’t care — it breaks my heart. That is not what happened at all,” the actress said. She explained that she was suffering from severe anxiety, depression, and the effects of postpartum illness while continuing to work and “play the role of being normal” despite her internal crisis.
Panettiere also clarified that she was the one who chose to seek professional treatment, denying rumours that she had been forcibly sent to rehab. She said the situation had become so overwhelming that she understood she could not continue living that way.
Despite the difficult period, Panettiere emphasised that she maintains a close relationship with her daughter, who currently lives in Europe with her father. She said they regularly communicate, often see each other, and share a deep emotional bond despite the distance.
“We have an incredible relationship. I travel when I can, we talk on FaceTime a lot. We have a very deep connection,” she said, adding that her main priority is ensuring her daughter feels loved and protected by both parents.
Panettiere also addressed the broader issue of postpartum depression, stressing that many stereotypes and misunderstandings still surround the condition. She admitted that her expectations of motherhood were very different from reality, which proved far more difficult and painful than she had imagined.
14:34 13 May, 2026