Hayden Panettiere’s Father Charged

By: Shannon Gossage

Panettiere, 49, was formally charged Thursday for allegedly assaulting his wife last month and if convicted could face up to a year in county jail. He was arrested on August 11 at his home in West Hollywood after he allegedly hit his wife Leslie Vogel, 52, on the cheek once or twice with a closed fist. The incident occurred a little before 3 a.m. after the couple returned from a benefit hosted by their daughter Hayden at Beso, a restaurant in West Hollywood owned by actress Eva Longoria. The benefit was for the Whaleman Foundation.

The argument began because Panettiere felt "disrespected" by Vogel because he felt she was "hanging" with someone. Vogel called the police and Panettiere was taken into custody, but she refused to go to the hospital despite having "visible signs of injury." Officers did take pictures of the bruises on her face. It has been reported that alcohol was involved.

After being released on bail, Panettiere reportedly said that "nothing actually happened" and it was all just a "misunderstanding." Both Panettiere and Vogel told Extra, "We love each other very much and want everyone to know that the matter was completely blown out of proportion." Daughter Hayden, 19, currently stars as Clair Bennett on NBC’s hit show Heroes. She also recently released her first single "Wake Up Call" and her untitled album is set to be released in 2009. In February 2008 it was announced that she would be the next spokesperson for Candie’s. She is currently dating her Heroes co-star Milo Ventimiglia, 31.