HAYDEN PANETTIERE ON MEDIA REPORTERS

Hollywood star Hayden Panettiere is downplaying gossip reports that she lashed out at a journalist in Hawaii last week, and is insisting the story has been blown way out of proportion. The actress was said to have erupted angrily after a reporter tapped her shoulder at a fundraiser gala on Sunday, barking at onlooking press, "You all make my life miserable." But Panettiere, is adamant she maintains a good relationship with the media. She tells OK! magazine, "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." And she insists stories about the alleged outburst have been greatly exaggerated: "While in Hawaii, one reporter grabbed me suddenly from behind and frightened me. It happens. Typically, the press has treated me with great respect."
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