US News

‘HERO’: MY DAD’S BUST A BIG JOKE

“Heroes” star Hayden Panettiere yesterday broke her silence about her dad’s spousal-abuse arrest, saying that Los Angeles authorities exaggerated the incident.

Alan Panettiere, 49, was busted Aug. 12 for allegedly punching his wife, Lesley, Hayden’s mom, in the face during a drunken rage, leaving visible signs of injury. He was released 10 hours later, after posting $50,000 bail.

LA County Deputies said he lashed out because he felt his wife had disrespected him at a Hollywood party.

“It was blown way out of proportion by a sheriff who wanted his 15 minutes of fame,” Hayden, 19, told the TV show “Extra.” “My family is wonderful, so very happy. We’re all great.”

Hayden’s first big role was in the 2000 football film “Remember the Titans.” She became a household name with “Heroes” as the indestructible, cellular-regenerating cheerleader Claire Bennet.

The NBC science-fiction series – with its first-season motto “Save the cheerleader, save the world” – made her a star.