RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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Add Page Six on Google Rose McGowan lashed out at child stardom in a heartfelt social media post following the death of fellow "Scream" franchise star Hayden Panettiere.
“Rest in Power,” the "Jawbreaker" star wrote Friday atop an Instagram video dedicated to Panettiere and featuring a clip of the ocean.
“Don’t put kids in show business,” the actress added. “None of this is normal. May her spirit be free of those who orchestrated.”
Though Panettiere and McGowan didn't appear in the same film, both starred in separate installment of the classic horror franchise "Scream," with McGowan appearing in the 1996 original Wes Craven film and Panettiere appearing in both 2011's "Scream 4" and 2023's "Scream VI."
Panettiere, who starred in commercials as a baby, began her full-time acting career at the age of 4 in "One Life to Live" and went on to become a household name as a teen in "Heroes."
In the comments thread, some followers agreed with the "Charmed" star's sentiment. "Exactly. Hayden was just a child when she entered this world, and she should never have been expected to bear the consequences of decisions she couldn't comprehend," one person wrote.
"Children need protection, not for adults to turn their childhood into a business. 💔 I hope that one day we understand everything that can be taken from them. Rest in peace, Hayden. 🕊️🤍," they continued.
"There needs to be something done. It has been happening for far too long," another chimed in, while a third remarked, "Kids don’t belong to show business.. too many sad stories, well said… 💔"
McGowan, 52, famously became a prominent advocate for young women in the entertainment industry after her claims against Harvey Weinstein became a flashpoint in the #MeToo movement.
She's not the first actress to speak out since the "Nashville" star died on Sunday.
Disney Channel alum Alexa PenaVega, 37, also paid tribute to Panettiere, Michelle Trachtenberg and Daveigh Chase following Panettiere’s death, urging fans to “hug your people close today.”
“These aren’t just names from my childhood. They’re girls I grew up alongside, sharing a world that was exciting and also incredibly hard," PenaVega wrote via Instagram on Tuesday.
“We were kids navigating something so big, and not everyone had the foundation or the support they deserved,” she continued. “Today, I’m grieving and holding their families close in my prayers and thinking of everyone still fighting battles we can’t see.”
Anna Paquin — who won an Oscar at the age of 11 for her performance in "The Piano" and, coincidentally, appeared in a very minor role in "Scream 4" — spoke out via social media , as well.
“It’s not a coincidence that so many former, specifically pre-sexualized female, child ‘stars’ have profoundly sad lives and untimely ends,” the actress, 44, wrote via Instagram on Friday.
“We were not as protected by the ‘systems’ that look great on paper, as we are supposed to be.”
The "X Men" star also referenced Trachtenberg and Chase in the upload as being part of a “strange, small club."
“You are worthy of support, no matter how our industry made us feel,” she wrote. “I believe you, and I will stand by your side.”
“You aren’t alone. Let’s have each other’s backs," she concluded. "It might make public disclosure less terrifying.”
Panettiere was found unresponsive at an Airbnb in Greenville, South Carolina, on Sunday afternoon, with her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, present.
911 dispatch audio referred to a suspected “overdose.” The "Remember the Titans" star was pronounced dead by first responders after they administered “advanced cardiac life support." She was 36.
Her family confirmed her death in a statement the same day, labeling the late actress an “incredible light and a force of nature."
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