Where Hayden Panettiere Stands With Brian Hickerson After His Arrest
Since the 1990s, Hayden Panettiere has ruled the film and TV sphere with her expansive catalog. From starring as the super-powered cheerleader Claire Bennet in "Heroes" to her beloved portrayal of Kirby Reed in the ongoing "Scream" franchise, the young talent has cultivated a memorable career. Alongside her successful outing as an actor, Panettiere has gained attention for her turbulent love life. Back in 2018, the "Until Dawn" star made headlines when she began dating South Carolina native Brian Hickerson. The news came a few days shortly after Panettiere broke off her engagement with professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko. "They both party together and are having fun," a source told Us Weekly at the time.
While the beginning of their relationship was free from controversy, things took a turn in May 2019 after Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence. According to a report from TMZ, the incident occurred after the pair went out in Hollywood, which left Panettiere with markings and "redness" on her body. Unfortunately, his aforementioned arrest wouldn't be the last time Hickerson would enact violence against the "I Love You Beth Cooper" star. But even with their scary past, Panettiere has seemingly hinted that their relationship is far from over.
Hayden Panettiere hints at reconciliation with Brian Hickerson following his arrest
Since 2019, Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson have made headlines after the former was arrested on multiple occasions for domestic violence. In 2020, the "Nashville" star had seemingly closed all doors to reconciliation after the South Carolina native was charged with multiple counts of domestic violence and assault. "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve," she wrote on Twitter. "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again." But despite her empowering statement, the two seemingly reconciled days after he was released from jail in 2021, per E! News.
Over the last year and a half, Panettiere has remained mum on the status of their relationship. However, in an April 2023 interview with The New York Times, the "Custody" star seemingly hinted that they were rekindling their romance. "There are feelings there, yes," she revealed to the news outlet. When asked about their troubled history, Panettiere assured the interviewer that Hickerson "knows he deserved what happened to him" before stating that the status of their relationship depended on his sobriety journey. "I did not do any of this lightly," she added.
Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson reportedly worked on their relationship before reconciling
Before Hayden Panettiere's recent admission of a possible reconciliation with Brian Hickerson, the two were seen together on multiple occasions. In March 2023, the pair attended the memorial service for her brother Jansen Panettiere — who tragically died in February. A few months before their tragic gathering, Panettiere and Hickerson were spotted at Los Angeles International Airport traveling for the Thanksgiving holiday. In a statement to E! News, a source claimed that the two were "friends" due to Hickerson seeking "professional help to turn his life around."
While they have dedicated their time to healing their fractured relationship, the two have not avoided violent controversy. In March 2022, Hickerson and Panettiere got into a physical altercation with a group of people outside of Sunset Marquis in Los Angeles. In a video obtained by TMZ, the pair were shown fighting the individuals, which stemmed from an argument in the hotel bar. Shortly after the video went viral, a representative for Panettiere gave further insight into the situation in a statement to People. "Brian was attacked by the group, as was Hayden, who in her best effort tried to diffuse the situation," the rep revealed. "Hayden was refused the opportunity to provide a statement to the police as she was escorted back inside."