Hayden Panettiere is opening up about her past relationship with former heavyweight boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko in her upcoming memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.
The actress recently reflected on both their relationship and the intense public curiosity that surrounded their noticeable height difference during the years they dated.
The Question Fans “Had to Know”
Panettiere, who stands at 5’1”, dated the 6’6” former boxer on and off between 2009 and 2018.
During a 2011 appearance on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, she revealed that strangers would frequently ask personal questions about their relationship because of the dramatic height difference.
According to the actress, many people directly asked whether their physical relationship “worked,” something she admitted she found more amusing than offensive.
“Where There’s a Will, There’s a Way”
At the time, Panettiere responded humorously to the question, joking that the couple “found a way.”
The clip resurfaced recently after the actress began promoting her memoir, where she discusses several deeply personal parts of her life, including her sexuality, motherhood, addiction struggles, and relationships.
Panettiere has now publicly confirmed that she identifies as bisexual, saying it was something she previously did not feel ready to share publicly.
Relationship Lasted Nearly a Decade
Panettiere and Klitschko became engaged in 2013 and welcomed their daughter Kaya the following year.
Although the pair eventually separated in 2018, the actress says they remain close and continue to successfully co-parent their daughter.
In a recent interview, she described their relationship today as a strong friendship built on mutual respect and care for their child.
Custody Decision Was “One of the Worst Days”
The actress also addresses her decision to sign over custody of Kaya to Klitschko during a difficult period in her life.
Panettiere has previously spoken publicly about her struggles with addiction and time spent in rehab following the breakup.
She now says the decision, while painful, was ultimately important for her daughter’s wellbeing at the time.
Focused on Healing and Family
In recent years, Panettiere has gradually returned to acting while also speaking more openly about mental health and recovery.
She explained that maintaining a healthy co-parenting relationship with Klitschko has helped create stability for their daughter despite their separation.
According to the actress, the bond they still share proves that families can remain connected even after relationships end.
