Hollywood star Justin Chatwin erupts in anger after the death of his ‘Sleepwalker’ co‑star Hayden Panettiere. He blames the industry for neglecting trauma and addiction support.
Chatwin’s Outrage Over Hollywood’s Support Gaps
In an exclusive Fox News Digital interview, Chatwin said he is “pissed off” and that his grief has turned into anger over the lack of care for people struggling with trauma and addiction. He emphasized that the industry’s silence is costing lives.
“I’m a man, so I process things by getting pissed off,” Chatwin said. “And so I’m kind of angry that this is the culture that — and this is the industry — that people aren’t taken care of.”
Panettiere’s Death and Ongoing Investigation
Panettiere died Sunday, Aug. 16, at age 36 after being found in cardiac arrest at her South Carolina home, according to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office. Emergency personnel attempted life‑saving measures, and an autopsy found no signs of trauma. Authorities have not yet released findings.
The official cause and manner of death remain undetermined as the investigation continues. No official statement has been made public.
Chatwin’s Career Highlights and Final Memories
Chatwin starred alongside Panettiere in two films, including the January‑released psychological thriller “Sleepwalker,” which she also produced. The film premiered earlier this year and received limited attention.
He recalled their final dinner after wrapping the movie, calling her “one of the top five favorite people I’ve ever worked with” and “super sweet.” Their dinner highlighted a close working relationship.
Industry-Wide Concerns
Chatwin said the struggles he witnessed extend beyond Hollywood, describing trauma and addiction as an epidemic affecting people across America. He warned that the problem is nationwide.
“It’s not just her,” he said. “We’ve lost a lot of people, and not just Hollywood, in all of America. It’s an epidemic that needs to be looked at.”
Personal Reflections and Calls for Change
Chatwin noted that Panettiere carried significant pain from family issues and the toll of two decades in the spotlight. He said these issues are deeply personal.
“I could sense a lot of pain that she had dealt with, from her family to her daughter,” he said. “The heaviness of 20 years in Hollywood, trauma and the fight to heal addiction can be unbearable.”
He urged actors to consider roles that might reopen unresolved trauma, warning that “the pain is unbearable” and that “you go home from a fun set and still feel alone.” He stressed that the industry must act now.
Remembering Panettiere
Chatwin described Panettiere as “a unicorn” and said her focus was on happiness rather than another career milestone. He said she inspired many with her kindness.
“She wanted to be happy,” he said. “That was her only focus.”
