Hayden Panettiere's mother issued ultimatum over abusive boyfriend before actress's death

Hayden Panettiere's mother, Leslie Vogel, issued an ultimatum to the late actress about her abusive boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, during their final phone call, as revealed in a Good Morning America interview. Vogel stated she would cut ties with her daughter if she continued seeing Hickerson, a decision made on her therapist's recommendation. She believed the separation would be temporary and never anticipated Panettiere's death, saying her daughter knew Hickerson was toxic. Panettiere reportedly wanted to leave Hickerson permanently a year prior but later distanced herself from her mother and reconciled with him. Hickerson faced domestic violence charges in 2019 and 2020 during their relationship.