Amanda Bynes is facing criticism over a social media post about fellow former child star Hayden Panettiere, who died at 36 on August 16. While Bynes did not directly criticize Panettiere, her decision to share several clips comparing their lives and careers drew a pointed response from at least one commenter.
Amanda Bynes’ post led to someone asking her to “be kind”
Bynes’s post came shortly after Panettiere died at 36 on August 16. Authorities have found no evidence of foul play.
The debated post contained three news clips, each related to both former child actors. The first two compared the career trajectories of Bynes and Panettiere. In addition, the third one focused on Panettiere’s final days and death. Bynes captioned the post, writing, “Life can hit you hard, and fast. What a horrible situation.”
Though the post did not directly criticize Panettiere, it drew criticism; one comment read, “Her death has nothing to do with you, please be kind.” Another wrote, “So sad. And I’m sorry she said those things about you.” The comments came even as renewed debates surfaced on the pressures of childhood fame. Panettiere began working as a child and later became internationally known for playing Claire Bennet on “Heroes” and Juliette Barnes on “Nashville”.
According to People, the actress has also previously opened up about addiction, postpartum depression, and the difficulties of growing up in Hollywood. In her memoir “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” the actress has wanted to tell her story in her own words.
Speaking to NPR earlier this year, she said, “If I was going to write about my life and set the record straight, I needed to just — I needed to really go there. I needed to show people the full picture of my life.”
Bynes also had a similar trajectory and has also been the victim of pervasive public scrutiny. The actress rose to fame on Nickelodeon through “All That” and “The Amanda Show”. She went on to become a successful young-adult actress with roles in “She’s the Man”, “Hairspray” and “What a Girl Wants”. Bynes eventually stepped away from the limelight.
Panettiere’s death has also renewed conversations about the pressures faced by child stars who grow up in the public eye. Tributes and discussions surrounding her life have increasingly focused on the importance of compassion for those dealing with personal struggles away from the cameras.
DO YOU THINK AMANDA BYNES’S POST WAS INSENSITIVE?
