Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, has revealed what she claims she told authorities at the scene of her daughter’s death after the late actress was found unresponsive from an apparent drug overdose.

“[The officer] said to me, ‘Well, what do you think about Brian Hickerson?’ And I said, ‘I think he’s culpable,’” Vogel, 70, told the Daily Mail in an extensive interview published on Saturday, August 22, alleging that her daughter’s on-again, off-again boyfriend played some type of role in her untimely death.

Us has reached out to Hickerson, 37, for comment.

Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16, after she was found unresponsive at a residence in South Carolina by Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson. Emergency services arrived at the scene to perform “advanced cardiac life support measures,” but the actress was pronounced dead that afternoon. Narcan, a life-saving over-the-counter medication that can reverse the effects of a drug overdose, was reportedly found at the scene.

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Mom Says Narcotics Investigator Joined Death Investigation

Hayden Panettiere‘s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, gave an update on the investigation into her daughter’s sudden death. Vogel, 70, told NBC News on Wednesday, August 19, that she was informed that law enforcement is investigating the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death. She claimed that a narcotics investigator has joined the case. Vogel said she is unsure […]

An autopsy was completed and found “no signs of trauma that would have contributed” to Panettiere’s death, per the coroner’s office. The cause and manner of her death “remain pending further investigation and the completion of additional studies.”

While speaking out in the wake of the actress’ death, Zach claimed he and his brother tried to save the actress’ life the night she died.

“There are a lot of assumptions, speculations and accusations currently swirling,” Zach told TMZ on Friday, August 21. “The truth will come out as the authorities complete and release additional details from the investigation. And that is important because the people who loved and adored Hayden deserve the truth.”

He continued, “When we went in and tried to wake Hayden up for lunch, we realized she was unconscious. I immediately called 911, and Brian gave her Narcan. We then jointly performed CPR while 911 was on speaker until Fire and EMS arrived. At that point, we watched as they tried every measure possible to save her life.”

Zach told the outlet that he is “beyond heartbroken and devastated” by Hayden’s death.

“Hayden was one of my dearest and closest friends that I loved and cared about for the last eight years,” he concluded. “Out of respect for her loved ones, the speculation and sensationalism of her death needs to end until the facts can be released from the investigation.”

The New York Times reported on Thursday, August 20, that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) was investigating Panettiere’s death.

While speaking to the Daily Mail, the actress’ mom shared her doubts about Zach’s claims and the alleged timeline of events that ultimately led to her daughter’s death.

“I think there will be a discrepancy in the timeline, meaning Brian had to go out and buy the Narcan while he left her there because I do not believe he happened to have two bottles of Narcan on him, like he carried them around in his back pocket,” she alleged. “When the EMTs came it was for a cardiac arrest. People in cardiac arrest aren’t just lying still. They make noise.”

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She further claimed, “I think Brian called his brother. My opinion. I think he knew she was deceased.”

Us has reached out to Brian on multiple occasions for comment on Vogel’s many claims regarding his alleged contribution to her daughter’s death but have not heard back.

If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse, contact the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).

More than a decade after their viral debate on the “Real Time” show, Ben Affleck and Bill Maher remain at odds regarding Islam, and their confrontation remains one of the most memorable moments in the show’s history.

While podcaster Sam Harris has long since “buried the hatchet” with the movie star, Maher recently revealed that the Oscar winner continues to reject his invitation and shows no interest in making a guest appearance on his show.

Ben Affleck’s move to completely shun Bill Maher’s invitation has now earned him heavy praise online, with many slamming the talk show host’s stance.

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The “Real Time” show host recently had a conversation with comedian Max Amini on the August 17 episode of “Club Random,” where he discussed his famous disagreement with Affleck.

According to Entertainment Weekly, Maher revealed that Affleck has consistently turned down invitations to return to the show and cited their decade-old encounter on TV as the reason for the rejection.

“I love him, but we just are gonna disagree on that one,” Maher said. He added that there’s a possibility the duo could find common ground should they meet and talk privately.

“Maybe if I talked to him privately, or it’s been, you know, 12 years, maybe I think there’s a middle ground,” he explained.

Maher also noted how popular the moment was. He mentioned how often people bring it up to him, comparing it to all his other TV moments.

“More people mention that episode to me than anything,” he said and acknowledged that “it wasn’t the best episode we ever had,” but it remains one of the most memorable moments on the show.

Fans Praise The Actor For Shunning Bill Maher’s Invites

Bill Maher has been haunted by this for over a decade when he was thoroughly embarrassed by Ben Affleck. Who was raised and taught well by his brilliant mother, Chris Affleck. RIP pic.twitter.com/L4vgwkXBYk https://t.co/02Aujeyw7u

— Roy Drones Jr🪼 (@chiweethedog) August 20, 2026

The claims made by Maher have since gone viral on social media, prompting a wave of praise and support for Affleck’s decisions.

One post on X read, “I remember that episode of Real Time very well because it was the final straw for me. I was DONE with Maher after that. Good on Ben Affleck.”

“Butt Hurt Bill still chastened by rejection of Bad-ss Ben,” another stated, while a third wrote, “BASED. Extra BASED points if Ben starts being as courageous as his daughter when it comes to reducing viral transmission.”

A fourth person slammed Maher, saying, “Sorry, don’t buy it, no way Maher invites the guy on again after he embarrassed him so badly 12 years ago.”

“Respect to Ben Affleck for the boycott, and for standing with the Muslim community,” one more individual said of the snub on X.

Bill Maher And Ben Affleck’s Clash Over Islam

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The encounter happened during a 2014 episode of “Real Time,” when Maher and his guests, Affleck, Harris, Michael Steele, and Nicholas Kristof, were discussing ISIS and radical Islam during the panel portion of the show.

During the show, Maher criticized Islam, arguing that it’s “the only religion that acts like the mafia that will f-cking kill you if you say the wrong thing,” making a comparison between the religion and organized crime.

Harris questioned the use of the term Islamophobia and its legitimacy as a critique against people attacking the faith, calling Islam the “motherload of bad ideas”.

Affleck immediately rejected their assessment of the religion, calling it “racist.” He pointed out that they were criticizing extremists and applying that same condemnation to the whole religion and its adherents.

“How about more than a billion people who aren’t fanatical, who don’t punch women, who just want to go to school, have some sandwiches, pray five times a day, and don’t do any of the things you’re saying of all Muslims?” Affleck questioned.

The confrontation quickly garnered attention online, becoming one of the most talked-about TV segments at the time.

The Actor Reflects On His ‘Emotional’ Reaction During The Show

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In a 2017 interview with The Guardian, the “Gone Girl” actor spoke about the exchange, noting that his reaction had been genuine. “I love a good debate, and I get very energized by it,” he said.

Affleck continued, saying, “On ‘Real Time,’ I think people could tell I had a genuine emotional response because I strongly believe that no one should be stereotyped based on their race or religion. It’s one of the most fundamental tenets of liberal thought.”

The original confrontation also led some commentators to condemn Affleck for defending the Islamic faith from what they believed to be legitimate criticism of extremist ideology. Others praised him for challenging broad generalizations of a faith that billions of people adhere to globally.

The exchange became part of a wider conversation surrounding Islam, Islamic stereotypes, and criticisms directed at the religion.

Ben Affleck And Bill Maher Are Still Not On Good Terms

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Maher’s latest comments indicate that the bone of contention between both men remains unresolved.

Unlike Maher, Harris, who was also a target of Affleck’s criticisms during the show, has since reportedly patched things up with the “Batman” actor.

According to Globe Magazine, during an appearance on Maher’s “Club Random” in 2022, Harris revealed that he and Affleck had privately settled their differences following the explosive confrontation.

Maher referenced the reconciliation in his recent remarks on the show, noting that he has not yet had the same opportunity to make amends with the actor, showing that the incident has played out differently for the two.

The renewed attention on the confrontation 12 years later illustrates just how memorable it was, and it has since become a part of the show’s public identity.

Buffalo Bills head coach Joe Brady offered public support for player Ed Oliver after the defensive tackle’s 2-year-old son, also named Ed, died after reportedly drowning in the family’s pool.

“I’m a parent and, ever since I found out the news [about the toddler’s death], I can’t fathom what he’s going through,” Brady, 36, told reporters during a press conference on Saturday, August 22. “There’s really not words to describe [the situation] in those moments. As a coach, as a father, it’s my job to be what he needs from me, right now.”

Brady — who shares two children with his wife, Lauren — stressed that he wanted to give Oliver, 28, “the privacy he deserves” as he continues to mourn the loss of his son.

“Whatever [mourning] looks like, however someone might want to handle it, it’s however he wants us to handle it,” Brody noted. “Look, he’s not here right now [at Saturday’s preseason game] because of an injury and dealing with that. This [tragedy] isn’t the reason he’s not here.”

He went on to say, “It’s hard. It’s hard whenever I see him. I can’t imagine it and I haven’t had the words since. I don’t really have the words 1787469368 but all I can do is just be there for him in whatever way he needs.”

Bills general manager, Brandon Beane, announced that Oliver’s son had recently died earlier on Saturday, sharing public “condolences” on behalf of the NFL franchise.

“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” Beane, 50, said in a statement. “It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent.”

The Bills GM added, “We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this loss.”

The Harris County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed that officers responded to “an in-progress life-in-danger call” at Oliver’s Texas home on June 28. Once first responders arrived on the scene, they were told that the 2-year-old child was found “unresponsive in the pool” by his parents. (ESPN and TMZ were first to report the news.)

The toddler was transferred to a local Houston, Texas, hospital where he was subsequently pronounced dead at 7:18 pm, per officials. Oliver was not directly named in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s statement.

Us has reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment.

ESPN reported that the Bills organization has been “aware of the incident since it occurred” and that the team was “aligned” with Oliver in terms of sharing condolences.

Related: NFL’s Shaquil Barrett Gives Update 2 Years After Drowning Death of Daughter

NFL star Shaquil Barrett and his wife, Jordanna Barrett, are reflecting on the death of daughter Arrayah two years after her drowning. “It’s always a battle. It’s always a struggle. It don’t get no easier but it’s something that we’ve been managing, dealing with, just talking with each other and talking to NFL families, talking […]

Oliver has been participating in training camp activities with the Bills this summer but was held out of the team’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday due to a “minor injury,” according to ESPN. (The Bills beat the Browns, 31-7.)

The tackle has spent his entire professional career playing with the Bills, after being picked ninth overall in the 2019 NFL Draft by the organization. Prior to that, he was a standout college player for the University of Houston Cougars from 2016 to 2018, during which time he won the prestigious Bill Willis Trophy in his freshman year.

Oliver also shares a daughter, Eva, with his partner Dymond Gladney.

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In September 2025, Oliver opened up during a press conference about the way becoming a father impacted him on and off the field.

“I really attest a lot of my maturity and just my growth to my kids,” Oliver said at the time. “Having kids and having to be the head of a household and a leader and trying to guide them you know that that’s kind of then trickled over into football. Then, I got [to] become more patient and more, I guess, [observant] and paying attention to different things. … I don’t know what specifically they do, but they got a weird way of making you grow up real fast.”

For more vital, life-saving information on pool safety, see Bode Miller’s tips and visit Coverstar’s website.

Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen has broken his silence following the drowning death of his teammate Ed Oliver’s 2-year-old son, also named Ed.

“First off, I want to say thank you to the ones that knew about it, and allowed him to have his moment and his time. It’s very sad,” Allen, 30, told reporters during a press conference on Saturday, August 22. “And, you know how it came out — it makes me very, very sad and angry at the same time.

The Buffalo Bills organization publicly announced the death of Oliver’s son on Saturday after multiple sports influencers speculated about the tragedy on social media in recent days. Multiple NFL insiders confirmed they were aware of the toddler’s death but held off reporting it out of respect for Oliver,28, and his family.”

Allen — who welcomed his first child, daughter Harper, with wife Hailee Steinfeld in April — shared his displeasure over the “very unfortunate” way the news was leaked.

“As a teammate of [Ed] and as someone in this locker room, all we can do is love on him,” he added. “There’s nothing that you can say to make the situation any better but except being there for him in whatever ways he needs. And that’s what we’re going to continue to do. That’s what teammates do. We love up on each other and try to hold each other up when we’re down. I can’t imagine what he’s going through.”

Per the Harris County Sheriff’s Office, officers responded to “an in-progress life-in-danger call” at Oliver’s Texas home on June 28 and were told that the 2-year-old child was found “unresponsive in the pool” by his parents. (ESPN and TMZ were first to report the news.)

The toddler was transferred to a local Houston, Texas, hospital where he was pronounced dead at 7:18 pm, officials said. Oliver was not directly named in the Harris County Sheriff’s Office’s statement.

Us has reached out to the sheriff’s office for comment.

“There’s nothing you can say. There’s nothing that you can do,” Allen said on Saturday. “You have to look at someone in a situation like that. [They feel] what they feel and do what they need to do. His teammates, that’s what we’ve been doing, is giving him his space and time. But at the same time, being around him, loving up on him. Not trying to do anything to reopen that. We understand that a lot of guys in the locker room knew, especially on the D-line. He spent a lot of time with those guys and everyone [is] just rallying around him. And again, he’s not here right now. Not because of [the tragedy].”

The QB went on to say, “Just guys being around him and putting their hand on him and not having to say too much. So, he’s got your back. Let’s play football. Again, I think guys are very cognizant of the fact of what he’s going through, how he’s feeling, what he’s feeling. We’re just there for him in any way that he needs us.”

The Bills organization has been “aware of the [death of Oliver’s son] since it occurred” and was “aligned” with the defensive tackle in terms of publicly sharing condolences, per ESPN.

Despite the personal tragedy, Oliver has been participating in training camp activities with the Bills this summer. He was held out of the team’s preseason game against the Cleveland Browns on Saturday due to a “minor injury,” according to ESPN. (The Bills were victorious over the Browns, 31-7.)

Earlier on Saturday, the Buffalo Bills publicly offered their “condolences” to Oliver and his family in their time of mourning.

“On behalf of the entire Buffalo Bills organization, we want to publicly express our condolences to Ed Oliver and his family on the devastating loss of his son,” the team’s general manager, Brandon Beane, said in a statement. “It’s an unthinkable tragedy for any parent.”

He added, “We will continue to support Ed and his family as we all grieve this loss.”

Bills head coach Joe Brady said during a press conference on Saturday that he couldn’t “fathom” the pain Oliver and his family must be enduring.

“Whatever [mourning] looks like, however someone might want to handle it, it’s however he wants us to handle it,” Brody, 36, told reporters. “Look, he’s not here right now [at Saturday’s preseason game] because of an injury and dealing with that. This [tragedy] isn’t the reason he’s not here.”

He continued, “It’s hard. It’s hard whenever I see him. I can’t imagine it and I haven’t had the words since. I don’t really have the words 1787468525 but all I can do is just be there for him in whatever way he needs.”

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Oliver has spent his entire NFL career with the Bills, having been picked ninth overall by the team during the 2019 NFL Draft. He played for the University of Houston Cougars in college.

The athlete also shares a daughter, Eva, with his partner Dymond Gladney.

For more vital, life-saving information on pool safety, see Bode Miller’s tips and visit Coverstar’s website.

Kids from the ’90s are still making memes about how fun it was to get back home from school and play the immersive and acrobatic Prince of Persia games. The wall-walking, time manipulation, and combat mechanics of Sands of Time, in particular, became a defining baseline for several bigger Ubisoft games that later came. And now, thanks to GOG (formerly Good Old Games), those same kids can once again play the game on PC, and it plays better than it ever did.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time Remake, after being in development for several years, was recently canceled in January 2026. GOG’s announcement comes just in time to lend a straw of hope for troubled fans. The platform has modernized the flagship Prince of Persia installment with native widescreen/ultrawide support, an in-game overlay with an FPS limiter, and a custom lightweight wrapper for modern PC compatibility.

Although fans shouldn’t become too optimistic about the gameplay and graphics, GOG has still given Prince of Persia: Sands of Time a much-needed facelift and continued technical support. Version 181 GOG v2 has made sure the game now fits modern resolutions without merely stretching the graphics, automatically adjusts the field of view, and lets users adjust frame rate limits, among other things. Not to mention that the Sands of Time face-lift is now also Windows 11 verified. The best part? Sands of Time is currently available to buy for just $2.99 up until August 23, at a roughly 70% discount from its original $9.99 price.

‘Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time’ Doesn’t Include Any Design or Environmental Upgrades

While this update puts Sands of Time ahead of most old DRM-free games that require several workarounds to play on new hardware, this version does not have any new character models, visual overhauls, redesigned environments, or combat changes. The menu itself, by design, had to be kept in its original 4:3 design just so there wouldn’t be any interface bugs. The new release, therefore, is more of a preservation take on the biggest game in the franchise instead of a new material rollout.

And while the Sands of Time Remake was canceled because of time and money investment concerns, Ubisoft hasn’t abandoned the franchise. At the same time, there is currently no known major Prince of Persia game actively in development since the remake was shelved.

Prince of Persia: The Sands of Time is now available to buy from GOG at $2.99 up until August 23. Stay tuned to Collider for more updates.

If your taste and budget clash — one saying to treat yourself and the other telling you to mind the bill — you’re not alone. But Amazon is a secret hub for designer-looking fashion, filled with affordable pieces so luxe, you can’t tell the difference. The best part? People will think you dropped big bucks.

Amazon fashion prices are reasonable anyway, but the sale section is a whole different ballgame. You can restock your entire wardrobe with chic, polished pieces starting at only $4. Talk about a guilt-free way to ring in fall! Whether you’re searching for an everyday top, trendy jeans, classy flats or anything in between, you’ll find it below!

13 Designer-Looking Fashion Items on Amazon

1. Boutique Beauty: Everything about this flutter-sleeve blouse screams ’boutique,’ including the ruffle neckline, Swiss dots and crochet embellishments — was $40, now $26!

2. Shiny Chic: Mary Jane flats are totally ‘in’ right now, especially around New York City and London. This gold version is extra sophisticated — was $70, now $50!

3. Comfy Zimmermann: If a Zimmermann dress were buttery-soft, stretchy and only $13, it would be this printed maxi number — was $19, now $13!

4. Your Cute Jeans: With a wide-leg silhouette and dramatic front seams, these denim pants give timeless a trendy edge — was $37, now $25!

5. Classy Cardigan: Score half off this cashmere-blend sweater and thank Us later. It’ll carry you straight from the grocery store to the office — was $50, now $25!

Related: Nobody Would Ever Know These Rich-Looking Flats Are as Comfy as Sneakers

If you’re bored with sneakers, you’re not alone. There’s a reason the streets of New York City, Los Angeles and London are overflowing with polished flats, which are a classy and equally versatile alternative. We found 13 luxe-looking pairs that deliver the comfort of sneakers, and seriously, you’ll wish you found them sooner. These timeless […]

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6. Miss Polished: Look no further for the easiest modest dress. We adore the solid top and leopard-print skirt combo — was $38, now $20!

7. Luxe Loungewear: According to shoppers, these bestselling yoga pants feel just like the high-end brands. Better yet, they come in dozens of colors and three inseam lengths — was $37, now $25!

8. Low Rise: Dip your toes into the silhouette with these loose Gap jeans, inspired by the 9os — was $90, now $38!

9. Silky Satin: Button-up shirts are usually stiff, but not this silky satin wonder that elevates even the most basic jeans — was $30, now $20!

10. Bubble Trend: Ever since Jennifer Lopez’s bubble skirt moment last month, we’ve been eyeing this puffy maxi piece. The sale is our excuse — was $50, now $33!

11. CEO Vibes: Everyone needs staple dress pants and these pull-on trousers are yours. They seriously look tailored — was $50, now $28!

12. Casual Capsule: Yes, a tank top can be a capsule piece. This 100% organic cotton top goes with everything, feels like a dream and appears high-quality from across the room — was $10, now $4!

13. Super Sporty: With this sporty side-stripe lounge set, you’ll be out the door in minutes. Just add sneakers — was $50, now $33!

Related: Anthropologie Dresses Are Trending, But So Are These Amazon Lookalikes

There’s a reason everyone flocks to Anthropologie this time of year. The brand’s fall styles are undeniably chic, but honestly, we’re not even tempted to shop at the retailer after discovering these enchanting boho dresses on Amazon. We genuinely can’t tell the difference, and yet, they start at only $10! With breezy silhouettes, rich color […]

Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, is responding to Gayle King after the morning show host criticized her first public statement following her daughter’s death.

“There is infinite sadness,” Vogel, 70, told the Daily Mail in an interview published on Saturday, August 22, alleging that the criticism she has received from King, 71, as well former Fox News reporter Megyn Kelly and others, has made the pain of her daughter’s death worse.

“But this is not the time for me to be weak,” the mother of two, who also lost her 28-year-old son, Jansen, to an undiagnosed heart condition three years ago, added. “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.”

She continued, “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.”

Related: Holly Robinson Peete Calls Out Hayden Panettiere’s Mom After Actress’ Death

Holly Robinson Peete is backing Gayle King after the morning show host called out Hayden Panettiere’s estranged mom, Lesley Vogel, following her statement on the actress’ death. “She’s not wrong,” Peete, 61, wrote via X on Wednesday, August 19, alongside a link to a story about King’s remarks in which she said that Vogel’s statement […]

Panettiere’s father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed her death to Us on Sunday, August 16, after she was found unresponsive from a suspected overdose. She was 36.

Vogel, who served as Panettiere’s manager when she was a child actor, spoke out for the first time on the Nashville alum’s death on Tuesday, August 18.

“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,” Vogel, 70, told NBC News, in part, via a statement at the time. “I wish she had stayed true to herself because she had many incredible attributes.”

She added of her daughter, “I just feel that she’s with her brother and they’re at peace.”

King discussed Vogel’s statement on the Wednesday, August 19, broadcast of CBS Mornings.

“You know, guys, you read this and all I think is, ‘Thanks, Mom, for nothing,” King said while appearing alongside her fellow CBS personalities Kelly O’Grady and Vladimir Duthiers.

“I mean, Hayden Panettiere spent years publicly acknowledging her own failures, her own struggles,” Duthiers, 56, noted on Wednesday. “She cannot respond now, and for her mother to use these days after Hayden’s death to just remind the world just how much trauma she caused, it’s unseemly.”

Related: Hayden Panettiere’s Complicated Relationship With Mom Lesley Vogel Explained

Hayden Panettiere spoke openly about her estrangement from her mother, Lesley Vogel, in the months leading up to her death in August 2026. “Unfortunately, we don’t have a relationship right now,” Panettiere exclusively told Us in May 2026. “But that doesn’t mean that I don’t leave the door open for the opportunity to present itself […]

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King went on to recall how often Hayden acknowledged her “complicated” and estranged relationship with Vogel prior to her shocking death, explaining in May that it was a “work in progress.”

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

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Former Fox News personality Kelly, 55, also slammed Vogel for her response in the wake of her daughter’s death.

“You failed at your job… You got an F as a parent. You made a bunch of money off of your daughter,” the reporter-turned-podcaster said. “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.”

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org.

Peta Murgatroyd and her husband, Maksim Chmerkovskiy, are reveling in their bliss in Florida!

The couple has broken their silence on why the move to the Sunshine State was necessary for the well-being of their family and their happiness as a unit.

Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy met on Broadway in 2009 and started dating in 2012 before finally tying the knot in 2017, going on to share three children.

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The dancer took to her Instagram Story to share a video update about just how much they love their lives in Florida. She admitted that the family had always loved the state for various reasons because their current location, Boca, close to the beach, has really top-rated schools, great sports locations for the boys, and a great lifestyle.

While she admitted that the weather is almost as hot as California, she stressed that living in Florida right now is what her family needs, and they are enjoying every second of it. Murgatroyd did not express her love for California in small measure, as she noted that it was their home for 2 decades.

She identified a few significant differences between life in Florida and California, emphasizing the culture of convenience that is more dominant in the former.

“Everything is within a five-minute drive. I feel like there’s a CVS or Walgreens on every corner ’cause it’s like in blocks with the communities. I love it; I feel like at this stage of my life with three boys, I’m about convenience,” the dancer noted according to Us Magazine.

The ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Pro Spoke Glowingly About Her Neighbors

Murgatroyd added that she found a community in the Sunshine State made up of great neighbors who have been so welcoming since they made their move into the area.

She shared that her kids have been invited on multiple playdates with other kids in the neighborhood, something she did not really experience much in California. 

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The reception aligned with Murgatroyd’s vision for her kids’ ideal childhood, as she always wanted them to grow up around an environment where they feel loved and accepted.

“He has playdates; he has boys knocking on our door, saying, ‘Hey, come play; let’s go ride our bikes.’ It’s the best thing for me, and it’s all I want. I’m so happy,” the media personality added.

Another heartwarming development is the fact that the dancer’s in-laws also moved to Florida, and they have equally fallen in love with Boca and are happy by the beach. Murgatroyd noted that Chmerkovskiy’s parents did not exactly carry them along on their move, but it made her happy to see them as a part of her community.

Peta Murgatroyd And Maksim Chmerkovskiy Share Video Of Touching Farewell To Los Angeles

In June, The Blast shared that the couple confirmed that they officially relocated to Florida from Los Angeles with a symbolic video of them dancing and holding a sign saying they have moved.

A second Instagram post highlighted the more emotional side of the family’s relocation, showing them packing up their belongings, saying goodbye to their longtime home, and preparing for the cross-country journey. 

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Murgatroyd admitted that the trip to Florida stirred up emotions she had not anticipated, leaving her tearful and uncertain about walking away from the familiarity and comfort of the place they had called home.

Despite the difficult farewell, the TV personalities believe the move is already paying off. Murgatroyd shared that their three sons have quickly adjusted to Florida’s sunshine and more relaxed lifestyle.

With the family settling into their new surroundings, she made it clear they are focused on embracing what lies ahead rather than dwelling on what they left behind.

Murgatroyd’s Third Child Changed Her ‘Dancing With The Stars’ Season 33 Plans

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As noted by The Blast in 2024, Murgatroyd’s growing family kept her from returning to the ballroom for Season 33 of “Dancing with the Stars.” Shortly before the season, the professional dancer and her husband welcomed their third son, as shared by Chmerkovskiy on Instagram, who revealed that the dancer did it all in one push. 

However, welcoming another child meant Murgatroyd was not physically prepared to jump back into the demanding “DWTS” schedule. During a social media livestream, she confirmed that she would miss Season 33 because childbirth had left her needing more time to recover.

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Although Murgatroyd admitted she had been eager to return to the competition, she acknowledged that her body was not ready for the physical demands of dancing professionally again. Ultimately, the mother of three decided recovery and time with her newborn had to come before her career.

Peta Murgatroyd Turned To Fans For Support When Her Husband Battled Arrest In Ukraine

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In 2022, the mother of three got vulnerable about her distress upon finding out that Chmerkovskiy was trapped in Ukraine after Russia invaded the country. Motherly stated that the dancer confessed to battling emotional turmoil upon learning that her husband was trying to escape.

Murgatroyd pleaded with her social media family to keep their prayers up for her as she warned that the coming days could even be more emotionally challenging for her. Chmerkovskiy had arrived in Ukraine for an appearance as a judge on the country’s version of “Dancing with the Stars.”

As the invasion went on, he made it a point to keep his fans and loved ones up to date, informing his fans that he was briefly arrested in Ukraine, but he was safe and had started approaching the border with hopes of leaving.

Despite admitting that he was nervous about the journey ahead, Chmerkovskiy remained optimistic, explaining that he had several possible ways to get out and believed he would ultimately make it to safety.

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Congratulations, Peta Murgatroyd and Maksim Chmerkovskiy!