Hayden Breaks Silence on Dad's Arrest

Almost two weeks after her father was arrested on charges of felony spousal abuse, actress Hayden Panettiere has finally decided to break her silence on the sensitive matter.

“It was blown way out of proportion by a sheriff who wanted his 15 minutes of fame," the actress, who just celebrated her 19th birthday on Aug. 21, tells TV's Extra. "My family is wonderful. So very happy. We’re all great."

On Aug. 11, the Heroes star's father, Alan "Skip" Panettiere, was taken into police custody and charged with the abuse after allegedly striking his wife, Lesley, during an argument in their L.A. home. Hayden, who has a home of her own nearby, was not in her parents' house at the time.