Hayden Panettiere’s Mother Responds to Criticism Over Estrangement From Daughter

Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, is speaking publicly about her complicated relationship with her late daughter, saying their estrangement was not caused by a lack of love or concern.

In a statement to ET, Vogel said she and Panettiere had been estranged because of the involvement of a “toxic individual” whom she believes played a role in her daughter’s death.

“Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love,” Vogel said. “It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death.”

Vogel did not name the person, but she has previously accused Panettiere’s former boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, of being involved in her death. Hickerson pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts related to injuring a spouse, cohabitant or coparent and served time in jail. His attorney has said police found no evidence of foul play, while the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death remain under investigation.

Vogel described her daughter as “a beautiful and talented young woman” and said her family had tried to remove the person from Panettiere’s life but was unsuccessful.

“I hope all remember Hayden for the beautiful human being inside her and her gift to the world from her time on this earth,” Vogel said. “My heart is with you, Hayden. Mama.”

The statement comes after Vogel faced criticism for comments she made shortly after Panettiere’s death on Aug. 16. Speaking to NBC News, Vogel said the entertainment industry can be difficult for young performers and suggested that Panettiere had struggled to remain true to herself.

“I think Hayden sadly lost her way and I wish it were different,” Vogel said at the time.

Vogel also said that circumstances surrounding her daughter’s death raised questions in her mind.

Her comments drew criticism from actress Holly Robinson Peete, who argued that Vogel should have focused more on expressing her love for her daughter and taking responsibility for her own role in Panettiere’s upbringing.

Panettiere had previously discussed her relationship with her mother in her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, published in May. In the book, she described feeling significant pressure as a child to perform well at auditions.

Vogel disputed her daughter’s account of their relationship. In comments to Page Six, she said she had experienced “20 years of trauma” and had ultimately decided to cut off contact with Panettiere after receiving advice from professionals.

Vogel said she believed the decision was necessary because of what she described as her daughter’s self-destructive behavior.

The latest statement has again sparked criticism online, with some people accusing Vogel of saying too much about her daughter publicly and questioning her decision to discuss their estrangement after Panettiere’s death.

Panettiere, who became a child star and later gained fame for roles in Heroes and Nashville, was 36 when she died. Her death has prompted renewed discussion about her struggles, her complicated family relationships and the pressures she faced throughout her career.