Lesley Vogel, the mother of late actress Hayden Panettiere, has drawn public attention for her statements in the wake of her daughter’s death. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Vogel criticized her daughter’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, for allegedly having a negative influence on her. She stated, ‘This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death and that was Brian Hickerson.’

Accusations of Toxic Influence

Vogel described Hickerson as ‘a toxic person’ who contributed to the deterioration of her relationship with Panettiere. ‘Although my daughter and I were distanciated, it wasn’t due to lack of love or affection,’ she said, according to nacion.com. ‘It was due to the involvement of a toxic person who, in my opinion, caused her death.’

Vogel’s comments came after Panettiere, who was 36 when she died, was found unresponsive in her home last Sunday. The cause of death remains under investigation, with officials stating there were no signs of foul play at this time.

Public Criticism from Gayle King and Megyn Kelly

Gayle King, during a CBS Mornings broadcast, criticized Vogel for focusing on her daughter’s struggles rather than celebrating her life. ‘You know, guys, you read this and all I can think is, “Thanks, mom, for nothing,”’ King said. She continued, ‘It makes me so sad of the opportunity that you have after your daughter’s death that that’s what you choose to leave us with.’

Megyn Kelly also responded, saying Vogel ‘failed at your job’ and gave her an ‘F as a parent.’ According to The Hollywood Reporter, Kelly added, ‘You made a bunch of money off of your daughter. You probably have a super nice car and a big house. You failed.’

Vogel responded to such criticisms, saying, ‘No one reached out to me before,’ and added, ‘It’s shameful. It’s unconscionable to me.’

Public Reaction and Ongoing Investigation

Vogel’s comments have sparked controversy, with some supporting her decision to speak publicly about her daughter’s struggles and others condemning her for what they see as an inappropriate response during a grieving period. The Hollywood Reporter has reached out to CBS Mornings for comment but has not received a response at the time of publication.

As the investigation into Panettiere’s death continues, the public remains divided over the mother’s public statements and the role of Hickerson in her life. Vogel described Panettiere as a ‘beautiful and talented’ young woman who ‘got involved with the wrong person.’

The actress, known for her roles in ‘Heroes,’ ‘Nashville,’ and the ‘Scream’ franchise, was 36 years old when she passed away. Officials have not yet determined the official cause of death, though preliminary findings do not suggest foul play.