Last week, viral on-camera interview with People left fans concerned about Hayden Panettiere‘s health and mental well-being.

Some opined that Panettiere’s speech was “slow” and “slurred,” speculating that she could be “medicated” or suffering a substance abuse relapse after the death of her younger brother Jansen in February 2023.

“This is so sad to watch because it looks like she’s sedated and not there,” one YouTube commenter responded to the video interview.

“[People Magazine] got no business posting this,” another wrote. “She is clearly highly medicated and unwell.”

On Sunday (Sept. 22), Panettiere addressed those concerns in an Instagram post, saying that it’s “unfathomable” that she’s in that position to begin with.

“But I feel forced to address it in a space where I won’t be criticized for how fast or slow I speak,” she writes.

The Nashville star goes on to say that this clip was filmed at the end of “an 8-hour shoot” on a day when she was already running on very little sleep. “I hadn’t slept for two days prior to the shoot due to one of my dogs who was recovering from an emergency medical procedure,” Panettiere explains.

She says the interview started well, but she grew more and more tired as it continued, especially because much of the subject matter — Jansen’s death and the grief she subsequently battled — was taxing.

“I was exhausted,” she notes.

“My rep stopped the interview early as it became obvious that I was fading,” she continues, explaining that she and her team asked to finish the interview another day, but the reporter said that “wasn’t necessary, and that she felt it was an emotional and heartfelt interview.”

Panettiere also notes that the People reporter told her the video would be edited, and says that she did not see the finished product before the video interview was published.

“Grief looks different on everyone,” she concluded, adding that any medication she takes is “none of anyone’s business” and “between me and my doctor.”

“The real issue here is the toxicity of social media, and a news cycle that is driven by click bait,” Panettiere adds. “Mental health is so important, and I hope those reading this now understand that what you say hiding behind a computer screen can have a detrimental impact on someone.”

The actor also thanked those who defended her or expressed empathy in response to the video. Many of the comments responding to the People interview were supportive, especially in light of the devastating family loss Panettiere suffered in 2023.

“I know people are disturbed by this interview but this is the reality of loss and grief and attempting to navigate a new life without your loved one in it,” one commenter wrote.

“She just looks so incredibly sad and in pain which is completely understandable given her loss,” another added. “… My heart goes out to her.”

Panettiere co-stars in the upcoming Lionsgate thriller Amber Alert, which will be available on-demand and in select theaters beginning Friday (Sept. 27).