CRIME & LAW
Los Angeles actress alleges grooming by A-list actor
PUBLISHED May 12, 2026, 12:58 PM ET
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Actress Hayden Panettiere has described an alleged grooming and attempted sexual assault she says occurred when she was 18 and starting her Hollywood career. Speaking on the On Purpose with Jay Shetty podcast in an interview released recently, the 36-year-old said a trusted female industry contact invited her onto a boat and led her to a small room where an older, high-profile actor waited undressed. Panettiere said she fled and hid elsewhere on the vessel but could not leave because they were at sea. She shared the account while promoting her upcoming memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, which also addresses addiction and family struggles.
By Noormahi M. | JQJO News
Timeline of Events
- When she was 18, invited onto boat
- Same occasion, led into small cabin
- Same occasion, undressed actor allegedly waiting
- Same occasion, she flees and hides
- Same occasion, boat already at sea
- Same occasion, others allegedly aware, indifferent
- Recently, recounts allegations on podcast
- Forthcoming, memoir to explore broader experiences
News Intelligence
- Panettiere's story is a reminder of the power dynamics in Hollywood. It's about RIGHTS and SAFETY. If you have young adults starting their careers, it's a good time to talk about workplace boundaries. Even in glamorous industries, no one should feel unsafe or exploited.
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