Hayden Panettiere denies abandoning daughter Kaya, opens up about painful custody decision
Photo: Reuters
Hayden Panettiere is opening up about one of the most painful decisions of her life, firmly denying claims that she abandoned her daughter Kaya after giving custody to former fiancé Wladimir Klitschko in 2018.
Speaking on On Purpose with Jay Shetty, the actress became emotional while discussing the public backlash she faced during a period marked by postpartum depression, addiction struggles, and severe anxiety.
“The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be okay with it is heartbreaking,” Panettiere said during the interview with Jay Shetty. “Couldn’t be further from the truth.”
Panettiere described handing over custody of Kaya, now 11 years old, as “one of the worst days” of her life, explaining that she felt mentally and emotionally incapable of being the parent her daughter deserved at the time.
The former Heroes and Nashville star said she voluntarily sought treatment while struggling with addiction and postpartum depression, pushing back against rumors that she had been forced into rehab.
“I desperately need help,” she recalled thinking at the time. “I know this is going to look terrible, but I cannot live like this anymore.”
Hayden Panettiere says handing over custody of her daughter wasn't abandoning her child—it was the only way she knew how to save herself. 💔
🎥: Jay Shetty Podcast pic.twitter.com/N5AWSrPTwFDespite living apart from Kaya, Panettiere said they continue to share what she described as a “deep” and “incredible” bond through visits, travel, and frequent FaceTime calls. She also emphasized that her daughter “in no way feels abandoned.”
The actress said both she and Klitschko remain committed to making sure Kaya grows up “happy and healthy mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually.”
Panettiere has become increasingly open in recent years about her recovery journey, mental health struggles, and the long-term effects of postpartum depression, using her platform to encourage more honest conversations surrounding motherhood and addiction.