Hayden Panettiere‘s complicated relationship with Brian Hickerson continues to make headlines as the past collides with the present in the wake of her sudden death.
Hickerson reportedly faced serious financial problems during his on-and-off relationship with the actress. News of his bankruptcy has resurfaced, with reports rigorously shedding light on their private reunion.
Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson first became romantically involved in 2018 before their relationship ended publicly in 2022. Their history included domestic violence allegations, which the late actress later addressed in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning.”
According to obtained records, Hickerson filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy on July 18, 2022. He listed assets worth $25,700 and liabilities totaling about $60,000. The actor said that his monthly expenses are $1,248, but he has no average monthly income.
The South Carolina actor listed assets that included several vehicles, with some in bad condition. He valued a 1990 Ford Bronco at $3,000 and an inoperable 2008 Toyota Prius at $2,000. Hickerson also listed a Harley-Davidson worth $3,000 and a Chevrolet Silverado valued at $8,000.
The actor also reported having $6,250 in his checking account at the time. His debts included roughly $20,000 in credit card bills and about $18,000 in medical expenses. He recently started a new job at a staffing company and had only worked there for two weeks, per TMZ.
The Actor’s Money Troubles Came During His Relationship With Panettiere
5Hickerson’s bankruptcy filing came years after he faced domestic violence arrests involving Panettiere. The couple publicly dated from 2018 until 2022. Their complicated relationship later became part of the actress’ public story.
Panettiere and Hickerson were still together in 2026. The pair allegedly kept the relationship away from the public because Panettiere’s team advised her not to be seen with him while promoting her memoir. Their private reunion therefore remained largely hidden from fans.
Hickerson was also with the late actress during her final hours in South Carolina. His brother, Zach, found the “Heroes” star unresponsive and called for emergency help. Hickerson was at the residence while the EMS tried to revive her from cardiac arrest.
Brian Hickerson’s Reaction To Hayden Panettiere’s Death Raised Questions
5Hickerson’s behavior when Panettiere was found unresponsive has raised eyebrows. He and his brother were both present when emergency responders arrived at the South Carolina home. Zach reportedly became emotional while first responders performed CPR on the actress.
Hickerson showed less emotion while Panettiere was unresponsive. The Blast reported that he became visibly distraught when she was pronounced dead at 2:32 p.m. He also showed police a bag of medication that Panettiere had been taking before her death.
The late actress had previously written about the abuse she experienced during their relationship in her memoir. Hickerson also encouraged people to read the chapter where she discussed his actions toward her. During an interview, he said, “I think everyone should read it. I mean, the domestic violence stuff in my chapter, everybody should read it.”
Hickerson Once Threatened To ‘Go To War’ With Panettiere
5Some court documents have also shed more light on the former couple’s abusive relationship. After Hickerson’s February 2020 arrest for domestic battery, Panettiere’s lawyer said he continued contacting her despite a court order. One alleged text from Hickerson read, “Time to go to war, I guess.”
The actor sent messages to Panettiere in which he claimed he could damage the late actress’ reputation. Prosecutors later presented the messages as evidence that he was trying to intimidate and blackmail her into dropping the case. Hickerson then received a one-year jail sentence, which was later reduced to probation.
Hickerson’s detainment at Wyoming came months after the actor faced a domestic violence case in California. The “Ice Princess” star declined to testify, and the charges were dropped. The Blast shared that the former couple later reconciled in 2022, with Panettiere saying she had forgiven him.
Hayden Panettiere Was Reportedly Worried About Pushback Over Her Memoir
5Hayden Panettiere worked on her memoir with the fear that some of her former friends would be angry about what she revealed. It was reported that she was especially nervous about people she considered “dangerous.” She also could not name some of them because of legal concerns.
The Nashville star wrote about her struggles with addiction, her childhood in Hollywood, and a disturbing experience involving a former friend. She says when she was 18, her ex-friend pushed her in bed with an older man.
She later explained why she left certain names out of “This Is Me: A Reckoning.” Panettiere said she wanted to tell her story without dragging others “in the mud” and feared possible lawsuits. She told Tamron Hall that she wishes to call names, but she still has to live in the industry.
What will be revealed next about Hayden Panettiere’s relationship with her on-and-off boyfriend?