Lesley Vogel, the estranged mother of late actress Hayden Panettiere, has issued a strong message to those criticizing her public reaction to her daughter's death, stating they have no right to dictate her grieving process.

"I would say to the haters out there, 'You don't have a right to tell me how I mourn the loss of my second child. That's my domain,'" Vogel said in an interview with "Good Morning America." She described feeling "numb" and unable to grasp the reality of Panettiere's passing, admitting, "It doesn't feel real; my mind tells me it's not at times. You know, it's going to be a process."

Vogel also expressed a desire for her daughter to be remembered as "the talented, you know, beautiful, outgoing, intelligent woman she really was."

Panettiere, known for her roles in "Heroes" and "Nashville," died on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, after an apparent overdose. She was 36. Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the death in a statement expressing "profound sadness."

A police report indicated that Panettiere, who had been struggling with addiction and health issues, was taking a bag of unspecified medications at the time of her death. The report also stated that her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were present. According to the report, Brian Hickerson did not exhibit outward emotion until Panettiere was officially pronounced dead.

Since her daughter's death, Vogel has been vocal about her negative relationship with Brian Hickerson, whom she blames for contributing to Panettiere's struggles and death. "This person in her life that we have been trying to get rid of for quite some time was with her at her death and that was Brian Hickerson," Vogel told NBC News on August 18. She also indicated plans to consult a private detective.

Responding to criticism about her estranged relationship with her daughter, Vogel stated in a separate message to Entertainment Tonight, "Although my daughter and I were estranged, it was not for lack of care or love. It was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death."

Vogel also cast doubt on Hickerson's account of Panettiere's final moments and alleged that he had pawned some of her belongings due to financial issues. "Hayden was a beautiful and talented young woman who unfortunately became involved with the wrong person, and although her family tried to extricate him from her life, we were unable to be successful," she said. "I hope all remember Hayden for the beautiful human being inside her and her gift to the world from her time on this earth. My heart is with you, Hayden. Mama."