Hayden Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has publicly blamed the actress’s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, for contributing to her estrangement and questioned his account of her death, as authorities continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the 36-year-old star’s apparent cardiac arrest. Vogel’s comments, made in her first public remarks since Panettiere’s death, emerged amid ongoing scrutiny of Hickerson, who has a documented history of domestic violence allegations and was present when the actress was found unresponsive.
Vogel’s Accusations and the Toxic Relationship Claim
Vogel told NBC News that Hickerson, whom she described as a toxic individual,
had a damaging influence on Panettiere, contributing to their long-standing estrangement. This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death,
Vogel said, adding that she believed Panettiere had “lost her way” and regretted not remaining true to herself. She criticized Hickerson’s narrative of events, suggesting he knew Panettiere was deceased when he called his brother, Zach, after finding her unresponsive.
Vogel’s remarks align with her earlier statements to BANG Showbiz, where she detailed how Panettiere’s relationship with Hickerson—marked by “no career” and “no money”—contrasted with her previous partnership with Wladimir Klitschko, the father of her daughter, Kaya. When you’re not feeling good about yourself, you don’t want to be with someone who makes you feel worse about yourself,
Vogel said, implying Hickerson’s presence exacerbated Panettiere’s struggles.
Hickerson’s Legal History and Investigation Details
Hickerson, who was convicted of domestic violence-related charges in 2021 and served jail time, has a documented history with Panettiere, including allegations of physical and emotional abuse. According to the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, Panettiere was treated for cardiac arrest but showed no signs of trauma at autopsy. The cause of death remains pending further investigation, with authorities stating there were no initial signs of foul play.
Vogel, however, has raised questions about the account, suggesting inconsistencies that warrant further scrutiny. I don’t know how you can take a nap near someone who’s dying and not realize something’s wrong,
she said, questioning Hickerson’s actions.
Public Backlash and Media Criticism
Vogel faced backlash for her public comments, including criticism from CBS Mornings host Gayle King, who questioned the appropriateness of discussing Panettiere’s struggles immediately after her death. King’s remarks, which Vogel called “shameful,” sparked a broader conversation about the pressures faced by child stars and the role of family in public discourse. Vogel defended her decision to speak out, stating that critics failed to understand the private dynamics between her and Panettiere.
The controversy has also drawn attention to Panettiere’s legacy as a former child star, with figures like Anna Paquin and Melissa Gilbert advocating for better support systems for young performers. Vogel, however, emphasized that her focus remained personal, rejecting suggestions that her comments diminished her daughter’s memory.
Unresolved Questions and Ongoing Investigation
As authorities have not released a final cause of death, toxicology reports and additional studies are still pending. The Greenville City Police Department and Coroner’s Office continue to investigate. Vogel has called for transparency, stating that there are inconsistencies that need to be investigated.
The case highlights the complex interplay between personal relationships, public scrutiny, and the challenges faced by those in the entertainment industry. With the investigation ongoing, the full story of Panettiere’s final days remains uncertain, leaving questions about the role of those close to her in the events leading to her death.
