Hayden is Heroic

We have a newfound respect for Hayden Panettiere! Maybe she’s not a bad girl after all?

The Heroes TV star recently went on a mission to Japan to help save the dolphins. Unfortunately, she and a few of her activist friends got into a violent confrontation with some local fisherman determined to complete their annual slaughter.

The 18-year-old actress paddled out on a surfboard in an attempt to reach a pod of helpless dolphins to stop them from being driven into a nearby cove and killed.

But she and her fellow surfers were intercepted by a fishing boat before they could reach the dolphins. The fishermen used the boat’s propellers to block their way and at one point struck out with a boathook.

It was an ugly and potentially life-threatening confrontation that lasted more than 10 minutes before Hayden and crew were forced to return to the beach.

An emotional Panettiere later spoke out about the incident.

Click here to watch it all.

Then, click here for more information on the Save Japan Dolphins Campaign and to find out how U can help!