HAYDEN PANETTIERE - HAYDEN PANETTIERE'S FAME POWER

HAYDEN PANETTIERE'S FAME POWER

'Heroes' star Hayden Panettiere says fame has made her a confident woman and given her the platform to air her opnions.

Hayden Panettiere says fame is "empowering".

The 'Heroes' star uses her celebrity status to campaign for several causes close to her heart, particularly the campaign to end whale hunting, and admits she is privileged to be able to do so.

The 19-year-old actress said: "I get to travel across the world and meet amazing people. And I also get a platform to speak out on things I'm passionate about, one of which is the Whaleman Foundation.

"I'm in a very powerful position and so I feel a responsibility to speak out for causes I believe in. It's very empowering - especially for a young female."

Hayden intends to carry on protesting for animal rights and is glad her involvement can make a difference.

She explained to Cosmopolitan magazine: "It's sad but it's true that there are people who can work their entire lives trying to change the world and someone who is in the public eye can come along and say one thing and they've done more for that cause than the other person ever could.

"Being able to make a difference feels amazing."

Although Hayden loves being famous, she does sometimes wish she could step out of the public spotlight and enjoy life without being scrutinised.

She added: "Sometimes I just want to be a normal person."