Wladimir Klitschko says he is stepping in financially as legal proceedings continue around the estate of his late former fiancee, Hayden Panettiere. Court documents reported by multiple outlets say the former heavyweight boxing champion plans to put up $30,000 of his own money toward Panettiere’s tax obligations.
Klitschko and Panettiere share daughter Kaya, 11, who has been identified in court filings as the sole heir to her mother’s probate estate. Klitschko says his goal is to prevent additional interest and penalties from reducing the estate’s value while a formal representative is being appointed.
Why Klitschko says the payment is urgent
According to the filings, Klitschko believes Panettiere’s 2025 state and federal tax returns are due Oct. 15. He plans to seek reimbursement from the estate after it is formally established. His filing describes the payment as a measure intended to avoid financial harm to Kaya.
The tax issue comes amid a broader probate process. Klitschko has sought temporary guardianship over his daughter’s estate so he can take legal steps to preserve assets until the court appoints the appropriate estate representative.
Concerns about preserving the estate
Separate filings have raised concerns about some of Panettiere’s belongings. Klitschko alleged that items believed to include jewelry may have been sold to a pawn shop by a non-family member. The allegation has been reported from court documents; it should not be treated as a final judicial finding.
Panettiere died in August at age 36. Since then, attention has focused on ensuring her daughter’s inheritance is protected while the estate moves through probate.
Klitschko’s latest move is therefore less about resolving the entire estate and more about preventing avoidable costs during a period when legal authority over the assets is still being established.
Sources: E! News, Us Weekly and Entertainment Weekly reporting based on court filings.