Hayden Panettiere Denounces Claims She 'Abandoned' Her 11-Year-Old Daughter After Giving Up Custody

Hayden Panettiere is pushing back against criticism surrounding her custody arrangement with ex Wladimir Klitschko, saying the suggestion that she “abandoned” their daughter Kaya is deeply painful after years of struggling with postpartum depression, addiction, and mental health challenges.

Hayden Panettiere is addressing years of public scrutiny surrounding her relationship with her daughter Kaya and the difficult custody decision she made while battling serious mental health and substance abuse issues.

During the May 11, 2026 episode of Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, the “Heroes” and “Bring It On” actress opened up about the backlash she has faced since Kaya began living full-time with her father, former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko, in Europe.

Panettiere made it clear that the decision was never about walking away from her daughter. Instead, she said it came after years of trying to recover from postpartum depression, alcoholism, anxiety, and substance abuse.

Hayden Panettiere Says Public Perception Has Been Painful

The actress said one of the hardest parts of the situation has been seeing people assume she willingly “gave away” her child.

“The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be okay with it is heartbreaking,” Panettiere told Shetty.

Panettiere also addressed what she described as misconceptions about her treatment history. According to the actress, there has been a false narrative suggesting she was forced into rehabilitation programs.

She clarified that she was the person who sought treatment herself. “The misconception is that I have been in the past forced into treatment when, in fact, I have been the one who sought it out,” the actress explained.

Panettiere has spoken publicly in the past about her struggles after becoming a mother. She welcomed daughter Kaya with Klitschko in 2014 during the couple’s long-term relationship.

The former couple dated from 2009 until 2018.

Why Kaya Lives in Europe With Wladimir Klitschko

According to Panettiere, the custody arrangement happened during a particularly difficult chapter in her life.

As she worked through addiction and mental health challenges, Klitschko suggested that Kaya might have a more stable environment living with him in Europe. Panettiere said she ultimately agreed, even though the decision was extremely painful.

“It became this horrible cycle for years of battling depression, anxiety, alcoholism and substance abuse — and me just trying to find my way out of this darkness,” she admitted during the podcast.

Panettiere explained that once she finally reached a healthier place emotionally and physically, she did not want to disrupt the life Kaya had already built overseas.

“By the time I finally got healthy, I felt like it would have been unfair of me to and selfish of me to try to pull her out away from this life that that she had,” she continued.

The actress said she made the decision with Kaya’s best interests in mind, despite the criticism that followed.

Panettiere Says She and Kaya Remain Close

Although Kaya lives abroad, Panettiere said she remains actively involved in her daughter’s life.

The actress shared that they frequently FaceTime and spend time together during visits to Europe. She described their relationship as strong and loving despite the distance.

In the interview, Panettiere also spoke proudly about how well Kaya is doing.

Now 11 years old, Kaya reportedly speaks five languages and enjoys horseback riding while living in Europe with Klitschko.

Panettiere emphasized that her daughter has support from both parents. “She has two parents that love her,” the actress said.

Panettiere also pushed back directly against the idea that Kaya feels abandoned because of the arrangement.

“She is happy and healthy mentally, emotionally, physically, spiritually,” Panettiere added. “She in no way feels abandoned—and that's something that I've made sure to be stay on top of and be very aware of.”

Hayden Panettiere Has Been Open About Her Mental Health Struggles

Over the years, Panettiere has spoken candidly about postpartum depression and addiction, often describing how deeply those experiences affected her personally and professionally.

On the “On Purpose” podcast, Panettiere framed the custody decision as one rooted in responsibility rather than abandonment. She suggested that stepping back while she focused on getting healthy was the most stable option for Kaya at the time.

The actress also acknowledged how emotionally difficult it has been to live apart from her daughter while knowing many people misunderstood the situation.

Still, she made clear that she believes the decision allowed Kaya to thrive.

Panettiere Says Kaya’s Well-Being Comes First

Throughout the conversation, Panettiere repeatedly stressed that Kaya’s happiness and stability remain her top priority.

While she admitted the public criticism has hurt, she said she focuses on maintaining a healthy relationship with her daughter rather than responding to outside opinions.

The actress described Kaya as emotionally healthy and secure, adding that she works hard to ensure her daughter always feels loved and supported despite the physical distance between them.

The interview also marked another step in the actress’s continued willingness to speak publicly about mental health, recovery, and motherhood after years of personal struggles.

For Panettiere, the message was clear: her decision was made out of love for her daughter, not a desire to leave her behind.