Hayden Panettiere's Mom CLAIMS BF DRAINED HER & PAWNED HER STUFF

Published August 23, 2026 6:40 PM PDT

Hayden Panettiere’s mom says Brian Hickerson left her daughter depleted in every way -- financially, emotionally and physically -- as he allegedly became deeply embedded in the actress’ life.

Lesley Vogel -- Hayden's estranged mother -- says she came to L.A. about a year ago to help Hayden through a serious health struggle ... claiming Hayden was suffering from an unexplained pins-and-needles feeling in her lower body that made it difficult for her to walk or function normally, according to the The New York Times.

Hayden wondered whether the pain could have been connected to injuries she suffered while working as a child actor, and according to her mom, they sought help from doctors and tried massage and acupuncture in search of relief.

Vogel also tells the outlet Hickerson allegedly pawned some of Hayden’s belongings -- including a vintage guitar -- and had other items in his storage unit.

The two allegedly became even more intertwined when Hayden hired Hickerson as her assistant. His LinkedIn lists him as an executive assistant to a “high-profile confidential client,” with responsibilities including around-the-clock support, handling emails and caring for two dogs.

Vogel says her attempts to keep Hickerson out of Hayden’s finances and personal life contributed to a falling out with her daughter. Hayden had previously written that she sometimes felt intense pressure from her mom, who she felt could be more business manager than mother.

As we previously reported … Hayden’s death remains under investigation, with local authorities, the coroner and DEA involved as toxicology results are pending.

We also obtained docs showing Hickerson filed for bankruptcy in 2022, listing about $25,700 in assets and roughly $60,000 in debt.

We‘ve reached out to Hickerson’s attorney for comment.