In a heartfelt and impassioned segment on “The Megyn Kelly Show,” Megyn Kelly expressed her sorrow over the tragic passing of actress Hayden Panettiere at the age of 36. Kelly didn’t hold back, criticizing Hollywood for its harsh treatment of child stars and calling out Panettiere’s former partner, Brian Hickerson, as “an absolute f–king douchebag.”
Kelly stated that while she was deeply saddened by Panettiere’s death, she was not surprised, highlighting the severe impact that early fame can have on young performers. “Parents, do not allow your child to enter any industry that will thrust them into the spotlight as a minor,” she cautioned. “No matter how much they desire it or how dire your financial situation may be, the answer must be no if you truly care about them.”
Panettiere, who began her career in commercials at just 11 months old, rose to fame as the indomitable cheerleader Claire Bennet on NBC’s “Heroes” and later as the country singer Juliette Barnes on “Nashville.” Her father confirmed her passing to ABC News on Sunday, though details surrounding her death remain unclear.
Kelly pointed out that the pressures of Hollywood can expose young stars to adult situations far too soon, leaving them ill-equipped to handle the emotional toll. “This industry builds them up and then rejects them,” she remarked, referencing the troubled paths of other former child stars like Amanda Bynes and the late River Phoenix, while also mentioning Justin Bieber, Selena Gomez, Drew Barrymore, and Macaulay Culkin. “For every Jodie Foster, there are far more River Phoenixes,” she added.
The former Fox News host theorized that achieving fame at a young age can lead to lifelong struggles with self-worth. “If your child peaks at 11 or 17, it’s going to be tough for them to feel successful afterward,” she explained.
When discussing Hickerson, Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend, Kelly did not hold back her disdain, referencing Hickerson’s history of domestic violence. He had previously pleaded no contest to charges of injuring a partner and received a jail sentence along with probation. “He’s an absolutely terrible person from what I can see,” Kelly stated.
Panettiere had bravely opened up about her experiences with domestic 𝓪𝓫𝓾𝓼𝓮, hoping to inspire others to seek help. In her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” released earlier this year, she shared her struggles with addiction, postpartum depression, and the immense pressures of growing up in the entertainment industry.
Kelly also critiqued Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, who managed her daughter’s career. She suggested that Vogel’s involvement exemplified the dangers of parents getting too entangled in their children’s Hollywood aspirations. “The miracle is that she survived to age 36 with a mother like that,” Kelly remarked.
Ultimately, Kelly argued that the issue extends beyond individual parents, suggesting that Hollywood itself had taken on a parental role in Panettiere’s life. “The real mother was Hollywood,” she concluded. “You’re doomed.”
As the conversation around Panettiere’s life and legacy continues, many are left wondering what changes need to be made to protect young talent in the industry.
