Gayle King slams Hayden Panettiere’s mother over remarks after actress’ tragic death at 36

Gayle King has criticised Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, over remarks she made following the actress’ death.

During the August 19 episode of CBS Mornings, King discussed Vogel’s comments about Panettiere, who was found unresponsive at a South Carolina apartment complex on August 16.

Vogel told NBC News that Panettiere was an “amazingly talented person” but said the entertainment industry could be challenging for young people.

She added, “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.”

King responded alongside co-anchors Kelly O’Grady and Vladimir Duthiers, saying, “You know guys you read this and all I can think of is ‘thanks mom for nothing.’”

Duthiers also criticised the remarks, saying they reminded the public of “how much trauma she caused” when Panettiere could no longer respond.

King later referred to her May interview with Panettiere, during which the actress described her relationship with her mother as a “work in progress”.

“You hear stuff like that, and you realize it was still very much in progress,” King said. “It makes me so sad that, of the opportunity that you have after your daughter’s death, that that’s what you choose to leave us with.”

Vogel managed Panettiere’s career from infancy until the actress ended their professional relationship at 19.

Panettiere later discussed their complicated relationship in interviews and her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.