Hayden Panettiere Reveals Disturbing Encounter with a Friend in New Memoir

Hayden Panettiere's new memoir, 'This Is Me: A Reckoning,' unveils a troubling incident from her early Hollywood career involving a friend and a famous singer. During a podcast appearance, she hinted at the experience, which she elaborates on in her book. Panettiere describes feeling betrayed after being encouraged to join the singer in bed, only for her friend to leave the room. This revelation sheds light on the darker aspects of the entertainment industry and the pressures faced by young actresses. Discover more about her journey and the challenges she has overcome in this candid memoir.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 20, 2026, 04:14 IST

A Troubling Experience from Early Hollywood Days

Hayden Panettiere has shared a distressing story from her early days in Hollywood, recounting an incident involving a woman she once trusted. The actress first hinted at this unsettling experience during her appearance on Jay Shetty's podcast, and she has since provided more details in her newly published memoir, 'This Is Me: A Reckoning.' In the book, Panettiere narrates how an acquaintance, Stella McAmis, invited her to a yacht to meet a famous British singer when she was only 18.

In excerpts from her memoir, Panettiere vividly describes entering the room where the singer awaited her. "He was shirtless, reclining on pillows with his arms behind his head," she recalled, mentioning that he was partially covered by sheets. McAmis allegedly urged her to join the singer in bed, saying, "I want you to get into bed with him. He has a huge d***." Trusting McAmis, whom she regarded as a close friend, Panettiere initially obliged and climbed under the covers.

However, the atmosphere shifted when McAmis exited the room, leading Panettiere to stop any further actions. Reflecting on the incident, she expressed feelings of betrayal, stating, "I felt like I’d been kicked in the face." She elaborated, saying, "She’d confided in me, pampered me, and treated me like her best friend - then turned around and treated me like a call girl. I deserved better than that, by a lot."

During her earlier discussion with Shetty, Panettiere described being led into a "very small room" next to the undressed singer. Although she did not disclose the identities of either party at that moment, she noted that the singer appeared unfazed, acting as if it were just another ordinary day for him. Panettiere recounted her fierce reaction, stating, "I became ferocious. I was like, 'This is not happening.'"

'This Is Me: A Reckoning' explores the various personal and professional hurdles Panettiere has encountered throughout her life and career in Hollywood, revealing the darker sides of the entertainment industry. The memoir aims to provide an honest perspective on her journey, offering insights into the pressures and experiences that have shaped her as both an actress and a person.