Panettiere's Mother Accuses Ex-Boyfriend of Financial Exploitation

The mother of actress Hayden Panettiere has leveled serious accusations against her daughter's former boyfriend, claiming he systematically drained the star's resources while positioning himself at the center of her personal and professional affairs.

Lesley Vogel, Panettiere's estranged mother, told The New York Times that Brian Hickerson left her daughter depleted across multiple dimensions of her life—financially, emotionally, and physically. The allegations come as authorities continue investigating Panettiere's death, with local law enforcement, the coroner, and the DEA involved while toxicology results remain pending.

According to Vogel, she traveled to Los Angeles approximately one year ago to assist her daughter through a severe health crisis. Panettiere was experiencing an unexplained pins-and-needles sensation in her lower body that significantly impaired her mobility and daily functioning, Vogel told The New York Times.

The actress speculated the mysterious pain might have stemmed from injuries sustained during her years working as a child performer. Vogel stated that she and her daughter consulted with physicians and explored alternative treatments including massage therapy and acupuncture in an effort to alleviate the debilitating symptoms.

Among the most troubling allegations, Vogel claims Hickerson pawned some of Panettiere's possessions, including a vintage guitar. Additional items belonging to the actress were reportedly stored in Hickerson's storage unit, according to statements Vogel provided to the outlet.

The relationship between Hickerson and Panettiere became further entangled when the actress hired him as her personal assistant. His LinkedIn profile identifies him as an executive assistant to a "high-profile confidential client," with duties encompassing round-the-clock support, email management, and care for two dogs.

Vogel's efforts to limit Hickerson's access to her daughter's financial matters and personal life reportedly contributed to a rift between mother and daughter. Panettiere had previously written about feeling intense pressure from her mother, expressing concern that Vogel sometimes functioned more as a business manager than a parent.

Financial records obtained by TMZ reveal that Hickerson filed for bankruptcy in 2022, declaring approximately $25,700 in assets against roughly $60,000 in debt.

Representatives for Hickerson's attorney have been contacted for comment but have not yet responded to the allegations.

The accusations add another layer of complexity to the ongoing investigation into Panettiere's death, as authorities work to determine the circumstances surrounding the loss of the actress known for her roles in television and film.