Hannah Kobayashi has broken her silence after making headlines for her disappearance, stating she was completely “unaware” of the extensive media coverage surrounding her situation. Kobayashi, who recently returned to the U.S., expressed her surprise at the attention her story received while she was missing.
In a statement, Kobayashi clarified that she had been in Mexico during the time her family and authorities were searching for her, unaware of the frantic efforts being made to locate her. “I didn’t realize how much this had blown up in the media,” she admitted, adding that the coverage and speculation surrounding her disappearance came as a shock.
Statement On Behalf Of The Family Of Hannah Kobayashi
— Sara Azari (@azarilaw) December 11, 2024
We are incredibly relieved and grateful that Hannah has been found safe. This past month has been an unimaginable ordeal for our family, and we kindly ask for privacy as we take the time to heal and process everything we have…
Her absence took a tragic turn when her father, who had been searching tirelessly for her, took his own life — a detail that deeply saddened many following the case. Kobayashi shared her grief over the loss, though refrained from elaborating on specifics about her time away, citing a need for privacy as she processes recent events.
The ordeal has sparked conversations about media attention during personal crises, as Kobayashi’s story quickly became a global talking point. While she continues to recover from the experience, she thanked those who showed concern for her well-being and asked for understanding as she navigates the aftermath of her return.
