Hughton, 60, who guided the Seagulls to promotion to the top flight in 2017, departed the club after guiding them to a 17th place finish, two points ahead of third-bottom Cardiff.
“I was hugely disappointed and surprised by the decision that was made to end my time with Brighton and Hove Albion FC,” Hughton said in a statement released by the League Managers Association.
“I thoroughly enjoyed my four and a half years managing this special football club. I would like to put on record my gratitude to my coaching staff, the players, fans, everyone connected to the club and the wider community of Brighton & Hove and wish them luck for the future.”