After being accused of shoving a reporter during a charity event in Hawaii, Hayden Panettiere has finally spoken out to defend her reputation.

Hayden told OK Magazine yesterday that she was just scared of one of the reporters who grabbed her out of nowhere, prompting her instinctual response.  She said,

While in Hawaii, one reporter grabbed me suddenly from behind and frightened me. It happens. Typically, the press has treated me with great respect.

Hayden also used the opportunity to deny that she was trying to get ex-boyfriend Milo Ventimiglia fired from the Heroes cast. She claimed that they were both still close, and that they “continue to enjoy working together”.