Panettiere made headlines when she reportedly lashed out at a journalist last week, saying, "You all make my life miserable."
"I have tremendous respect for the media and reporters – particularly the press who treat the people they are interviewing with dignity. I am appreciative that the press has supported me, my career, and especially the causes I feel passionately about," stated the star.
To explain her actions, the actress added, "While in Hawaii, one reporter grabbed me suddenly from behind and frightened me. It happens. Typically, the press has treated me with great respect."