Actors Rose McGowan and Anna Paquin Criticize Industry Treatment of Child Stars in Tributes to Hayden Panettiere

Rose McGowan and Anna Paquin posted tributes to actress Hayden Panettiere, who died at 36, and used the occasion to criticize the entertainment industry's handling of child performers. McGowan, who appeared in the original Scream film, wrote, "Rest in Power Hayden Panettiere. Don’t put kids in show business. None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated." Paquin, also a former child actor, said on Instagram that the industry does not adequately protect young talent, linking Panettiere’s death to those of Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase. She added, "It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualized female, child ‘stars’ have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends. We were not as protected by the ‘systems’ that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be." Paquin offered support to other former child actors, encouraging them to reach out privately. Panettiere began her career in a baby-age commercial and later appeared in films such as Remember the Titans and Bring It On: All or Nothing before turning 18.