Hayden Panettiere Details Child Star Trauma in Memoir Ahead of May 19 Release

6 articles · Updated · Hollywood Reporter · May 14

Panettiere, 36, said writing This Is Me: A Reckoning gave her the courage to counter years of tabloid misinformation and "wipe the slate clean" about her life and career.
The memoir traces how an overbearing stage mother, relentless people-pleasing and early fame fed substance abuse, with Panettiere saying she was "groomed" to never say no and later self-harmed through addiction.
She also revisits personal losses and industry fallout, including grief over brother Jansen's death, postpartum depression and her claim that speaking about it ended her Neutrogena deal under a morality clause.
The book, out May 19, also newly addresses her bisexuality, difficult family relationships and unnamed powerful figures she says harmed her, while she says she avoided some names to reduce legal and professional risk.
Looking ahead, Panettiere said she is still working toward fully taking ownership of her career and wants to expand into action, producing, directing and comedy.

With her own mother calling the memoir a lie, whose version of Hayden Panettiere’s troubled life is the truth?

She exposed Hollywood’s abuse but hid a predator's name. Does this protect her career or perpetuate a toxic cycle?