Panettiere's final days with abusive ex revealed

Actress Hayden Panettiere's relationship with Brian Hickerson was characterized by significant turmoil. They began dating in 2018, following Panettiere's split from fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shares a daughter born in December 2014.

Hickerson faced multiple legal issues stemming from alleged incidents involving Panettiere. He was arrested for domestic violence in 2019 and charged with felony domestic violence, with orders to stay away from the actress.

Despite a breakup in February 2020, Hickerson was later charged with eight counts of domestic violence and assault. These charges were eventually dropped the following year, though he was arrested again in 2020 for allegedly punching Panettiere. He ultimately pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, receiving 33 days in jail and probation.

Panettiere described the difficulty of extricating herself from abusive relationships, likening it to "ripping a weed out." News of her death at age 36 was reported in August 2026. Reports suggested she had traveled with Hickerson shortly before her passing.