Lesley Vogel, the estranged mother of actress Hayden Panettiere, criticized Panettiere's boyfriend Brian Hickerson on Tuesday [2].
The statement highlights deep familial fractures and allegations of negative influence surrounding the death of the Nashville star, who was 36 [1].
Vogel released the statement on Aug. 18, 2026 [2], shortly after Panettiere died earlier this month. In the remarks, Vogel addressed the role Hickerson played in her daughter's life and the circumstances surrounding the end of her life.
"The family has been trying to get rid of Brian for quite some time," Vogel said [1].
Vogel said that Hickerson was with Panettiere at the time of her death [1]. The mother expressed regret over the direction of her daughter's life in recent years, suggesting that the actress had drifted from her original identity.
"Hayden sadly lost her way and I wish it were different. I wish she had stayed true to herself because..." Vogel said [2].
The comments follow a period of estrangement between Vogel and the actress. While the specific cause of death was not detailed in the statement, Vogel's public remarks focus on the belief that Hickerson was a detrimental presence in Panettiere's life.
Reports vary on whether this appearance constituted Vogel's first formal statement or her first interview since the death of the actress [2]. Regardless of the format, the remarks mark a public break in silence regarding the family's view of Hickerson.
“"The family has been trying to get rid of Brian for quite some time."”
The public nature of these accusations suggests a significant legal or emotional dispute between the Panettiere family and Brian Hickerson. By highlighting Hickerson's presence at the time of death and the family's prior attempts to separate the couple, Vogel is framing the actress's decline as a result of external influence rather than purely personal struggle.
