Hayden Panettiere Reveals Bisexuality Ahead of Memoir Release

Actress Hayden Panettiere has publicly identified as bisexual in a recent interview leading up to her memoir’s release, titled “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”

The former child star shared that she kept her sexuality private for a long time, saying it was never the right moment. In her conversation with Us Weekly, published on May 6, she explained, “I was either too young or felt the pressure to be perfect constantly. I just wasn’t encouraged to express my true self.”

She added, “There was a phase when it felt like women coming out as bisexual was just a trend.” I think that’s a tricky sentiment; there’s something genuine in those experiences, but it can also feel a bit gimmicky at times.

Panettiere expressed her fears about being open with her sexuality. She worried it might come across as if she were trying to fit in with a fad. “It was challenging to talk about,” she admitted. “It’s unfortunate that it took me until I was 36 to open up about it, but I guess better late than never?”

At 36, Panettiere has a well-established career, appearing in “Message in a Bottle” in 1999 and Disney’s “Remember the Titans” in 2000, but she really gained fame in 2006 with her role in NBC’s hit show “Heroes.”

While she mentioned that she’s dated women, she noted that she has not experienced falling in love with any female partner. Her celebrity status played a role in her hesitation to share these personal aspects of her life.

“I was definitely more interested in women even as a child than in men,” she revealed. It’s interesting how these early feelings can shape our experiences later on, don’t you think?

She continued, “It was intimidating, with paparazzi always lurking around, and I had very little personal space. Yes, I dated women.” Yet, because she hadn’t shared this part of herself with anyone, she lacked the courage to fully engage in those emotions. “If I fell in love, I didn’t want to have to hide that,” she added.

Now, with her memoir on the horizon, she feels comfortable owning her identity. “With the book coming out, I can confidently say yes, I am bisexual. I finally said it out loud.”

The memoir not only reflects her journey with sexuality but also delves into her struggles with postpartum depression, addiction, and the difficult decision to give up custody of her daughter amid personal challenges. The book is set to be released on May 12.