Anna Paquin calls for stronger safeguards for child performers after Hayden Panettiere's death

Actress Anna Paquin posted on Instagram on Friday urging a review of protections for child performers after the death of former child star Hayden Panettiere. Paquin, who won an Academy Award at age 11 for "The Piano," said many young actors are "sexualized" early in their careers and questioned whether existing safeguards are effective. She referenced Panettiere, as well as Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase, who also died before age 40, and wrote that the industry’s protective "systems" often fall short of their intended purpose.

"We were not as protected by the 'systems' that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be said," Paquin wrote.

She addressed other former child performers, describing them as part of a "small club" and encouraging anyone feeling unsupported to contact her directly. Paquin later edited the caption to clarify that her comments focused on children working in entertainment who are prematurely viewed as sexual objects, noting that broader issues extend beyond the industry and would require a longer discussion at another time.

"I'm not implying damage is not done outside of the context of entertainment," she added.

Paquin explained that she used initials for the referenced actors due to Instagram’s character limits and that no additional meaning was intended.