Anna Paquin speaks out about child stars after Hayden Panettiere's death
Anna Paquin is speaking out about the experiences of young girls in Hollywood following the death of fellow former child star Hayden Panettiere.
Paquin, who began acting as a child and won an Academy Award at age 11 for her performance in "The Piano," shared a message on Instagram on Friday reflecting on what she described as the dangers facing many young performers who she says are "sexualized" at an early age.
In her post, Paquin referenced Panettiere as well as fellow former child stars Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase, who also died before the age of 40.
She questioned whether the systems designed to safeguard young performers adequately protected them, writing, "We were not as protected by the 'systems' that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be said."
Paquin also addressed other former child performers directly, saying that she and her peers belong to a "strange small club."
"You are worthy of support no matter how our industry made us feel," she wrote. "Literally DM me. I believe you and I will stand by your side."
Paquin later edited her caption to clarify that she was speaking specifically about children working in entertainment who find themselves prematurely viewed as sexual objects.
"I'm not implying damage is not done outside of the context of entertainment," she wrote, adding that the broader issue would require "a longer post for a different moment."
Paquin also explained that her decision to refer to Panettiere, Trachtenberg and Chase by their initials was simply due to Instagram's space limitations and was not intended to carry any additional meaning.
Her comments came five days after Panettiere died at age 36. The actress was found unresponsive in South Carolina on Aug. 16 and was pronounced dead after advanced life support efforts were performed.
