Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mum Lesley Vogel furiously hits back at criticism over response to actress’s death
Lesley Vogel, Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, has slammed Gayle King and Megyn Kelly’s remarks over her response to her daughter’s death.
The Nashville actress tragically died aged 36 on 16 August, after emergency services responded to a 911 call made by her on-and-off ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson and his brother, who reported that the star was ‘unresponsive’ and in ‘cardiac arrest’.
A cause of death is yet to be announced, but police have confirmed they don’t suspect ‘any signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances’.
Since Hayden’s death, tributes have been pouring in from the entertainment world and beyond, including from the late actress's mother, 70, whom she’s had a complicated relationship with over the years.
Advert
Vogel served as her daughter’s manager for most of her childhood career; however, their business relationship ended when she was 19, and the two became estranged.
Panettiere told US Weekly in May: “Unfortunately, we don’t have a relationship right now. But that doesn’t mean that I don’t leave the door open for the opportunity to present itself one day. It’s hard for me to say, but I’ve chosen to be brutally honest.”
Hayden’s death also tragically came just three years after her brother and Vogel’s son, Jansen, died from heart issues.
Lesley Vogel’s tribute to her estranged daughter
Following Hayden’s death, Vogel told NBC News in a statement: “I think Hayden was an amazingly talented person in so many departments, and I think young people who grow up in the entertainment industry - it is a struggle, and it’s a very challenging industry, and it’s not unusual for them to sadly find the wrong path.”
She continued: “I think it becomes very difficult to be true to yourself, and I think Hayden sadly lost her way, and I wish it were different. I wish she had stayed true to herself because she had many incredible attributes.”
Vogel concluded: “I just feel that she’s with her brother and they’re at peace.”
What did Gayle King and Megyn Kelly say about Lesley Vogel’s tribute?
The statement prompted backlash from some big names, such as American TV personality and CBS Mornings star Gayle King, and American journalist and political commentator Megyn Kelly.
As per The Hollywood Reporter, King reacted to the statement by brutally saying: “You know, guys, you read this and all I can think is, thanks, mom, for nothing.
“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.”
While Kelly addressed Vogel directly on her show, The Megyn Kelly Show, and declared: “You failed at your job… You got an F as a parent.
“You made a bunch of money off of your daughter. You probably have a super nice car and a big house. You failed. You raised someone to the age of majority who doesn’t feel safe, loved, or cherished. You’re a loser.”
Lesley Vogel’s response
Following the intense scrutiny, Vogel responded to the backlash in an interview with The Daily Mail, which was published on Saturday (22 August).
She told the outlet that the tragedy has been made worse by the stream of public insults she’s been facing.
Hitting out at the criticism she’s faced, Vogel said: “I was very, very hurt and deeply disappointed in the lack of professionalism, the lack of compassion in slamming someone who's lost two children, without even a modicum of consideration.
“No one reached out to me before. It's shameful. It's unconscionable to me.”
Speaking of her grief, she added: “There is infinite sadness. But this is not the time for me to be weak. I don't have the luxury right now of being weak. I have too much to do for Hayden. When I'm done with that, then I will give myself the luxury to mourn - deeply mourn.
“I'm not saying I'm not grieving now. I am, and I do have my moments. But the bigger picture right now is I have to stay strong. I don't have an option.”
Tyla has contacted representatives for King and Kelly for comment.
Topics: Entertainment, Celebrity, News, US News
Madison Burgess