Kaya abandoned – Hayden Panettiere pushed back on claims she abandoned her 11-year-old daughter Kaya, explaining her 2018 custody decision amid addiction.
Hayden Panettiere is pushing back hard on claims that she “abandoned” her 11-year-old daughter, Kaya, describing those accusations as not just wrong, but emotionally wrenching.
In Monday’s episode of the “On Purpose” podcast. the actress—now 36—said the idea that she would “give away” her child and be “OK with it” is “heartbreaking.” She framed the story as the opposite of abandonment. describing a prolonged struggle she went through in the years leading up to the custody arrangement.
Panettiere explained that what followed was “this horrible cycle” as she battled depression, anxiety, alcoholism, and substance abuse while searching for a way back to herself. In her telling, the choices made during that period were shaped by illness rather than a lack of love.
She said that around 2018, she decided to give up custody of Kaya to her ex-fiancé, Wladimir Klitschko. Panettiere connected the decision to the reality that she was dealing with substance abuse and that, at the time, she felt she could not properly manage her life and wellbeing.
The actress said she “completely lost” herself during that phase and recalled that Klitschko asked for Kaya to live with him full-time in Ukraine when Kaya was 2. Panettiere described the moment as deeply difficult, saying she reacted with fierce protectiveness toward her child.
“I went like mother lion,” she admitted, adding she “would’ve burnt the world down” for her daughter. She said the separation therefore wasn’t a clean or simple choice, but a painful departure that left her struggling emotionally even as Kaya’s life continued without her.
During the time they were apart. Panettiere said Kaya built a “beautiful life. ” including making friends and participating in extracurricular activities.. She later explained that when she regained her health. she believed it would be unfair—and “selfish”—to remove her daughter from a life that Kaya had already established.
Panettiere also shared details about Kaya’s development, saying her daughter has learned five languages and enjoys horseback riding. She said her relationship with Kaya has remained strong and that she makes an effort to see her in person when she can.
The actress insisted that Kaya does not feel abandoned, describing their bond as “intense” and “incredible.” She said she travels to see her daughter as much as possible, adding that she also spends substantial time on FaceTime.
She went even further in addressing the emotional core of the controversy, stating, “In no way [does] she feel abandoned.” For Panettiere, that is the measure of what matters most in the story.
Panettiere also addressed another misconception mentioned in public discussion: she said she was not “forced” into treatment. Instead, she clarified that she was the one who initially sought help.
Beyond the custody dispute, the episode also revisited the timeline of her relationship with Klitschko. Panettiere and Klitschko started dating in 2009 and had an on-again, off-again relationship that led to their 2013 engagement.
In 2014, Panettiere gave birth to Kaya in December. The following year, the actress described the pregnancy period after announcing that she and Klitschko were expecting their first child together.
Their relationship later ended in August 2018, after which Panettiere moved on with her then partner, Brian Hickerson, a few months afterward.
As Panettiere continues to speak about that period. her message to critics is clear: what she describes as a decade-spanning struggle with mental health and addiction does not translate to abandoning a child.. Instead. she portrays the years that followed as a painful effort to regain stability—while still keeping connection with Kaya and emphasizing that her daughter feels supported.
Hayden Panettiere Kaya custody decision addiction recovery postpartum depression On Purpose podcast Wladimir Klitschko