Hayden Panettiere’s apparent reunion with her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson came as a surprise to some of her closest friends, who had no idea the actress had allowed him back into her life before her sudden death at 36.
The former couple had a complicated history that included domestic violence allegations, arrests and a jail sentence for Hickerson. Despite their chaotic past, Panettiere and Hickerson appeared to have reconnected months before her death.
Now, those around Hayden Panettiere are reportedly questioning why she kept the renewed relationship private, especially given the painful experiences she had previously shared about their time together.
Some of Panettiere’s friends were reportedly unaware that Hickerson had returned to her life before her death.
The former couple had fueled reconciliation rumors in March after they were spotted together at Los Angeles International Airport. Hickerson was seen accompanying Panettiere as she used crutches while dealing with serious back problems.
According to Page Six, a source said: “If Brian was back in her life, then it was something she was hiding because she wasn’t speaking about it with many of her friends.”
The insider also suggested that Panettiere may have felt ashamed about reconnecting with someone associated with some of the darkest periods of her life.
“If you’ve gone through some dark times with people, and spoken about it, then there can be shame if you get back together with that same person,” they noted. “So maybe that was why she hadn’t mentioned it to us.”
The renewed relationship was particularly concerning because of their history, which had previously resulted in arrests, court proceedings and a restraining order.
Brian Hickerson Repeatedly Abused Hayden Panettiere During Their Relationship
5Panettiere and Hickerson’s relationship, which began in 2018, was marked by several alleged incidents of domestic violence.
In May 2019, Hickerson was arrested for felony domestic violence following an alleged altercation with Panettiere at their Hollywood home. He was later ordered to stay away from the actress, although the case was eventually dismissed.
According to Page Six, he was arrested again in February 2020 after another alleged dispute involving Panettiere. He was accused of striking the actress in the face during that incident.
Panettiere later publicly addressed the abuse allegations against Hickerson in an Instagram post.
“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 that they need and deserve,” she said in her statement.
Despite their troubled history, the pair continued to have an on-and-off connection before reportedly separating for good in 2022.
Hayden Panettiere Wrote About Her Traumatic Experiences With Brian Hickerson In Her Memoir
5Panettiere revisited the relationship in her 2026 memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” where she described some of the traumatic experiences she endured while dating Hickerson.
The actress wrote about incidents in which Hickerson became violent toward her, to the point where she had visible injuries on her body.
In an interview with TMZ, Hickerson himself admitted that he had been abusive toward Panettiere. “I got arrested for abusing her, and I wouldn’t blame her friend for being pissed off.”
He also recalled one incident in which he had been drinking and threatened to throw a phone at the actress if she did not run away from him.
Hickerson acknowledged that the story was difficult to see in her memoir but said he had ultimately accepted the need to be vulnerable about his past behavior.
Brian Hickerson Was Arrested Multiple Times And Sentenced To Jail
5The allegations involving Panettiere eventually resulted in serious legal consequences for Hickerson.
After his February 2020 arrest, he was later sentenced in April 2021 to 45 days in county jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, according to Page Six.
He was also ordered to serve four years of probation, complete 52 domestic violence classes and pay a $500 fee. A five-year restraining order was also issued to keep him away from Panettiere.
Panettiere had previously spoken about finding the courage to regain her voice after the alleged abuse, making Hickerson’s return to her life particularly striking.
Although they split in 2022, the pair had apparently reconciled by 2026, with Hickerson once again around the actress during the final months of her life.
TMZ reports that they chose to keep their reconnection out of the public eye out of fear it could hurt Panettiere’s brand and image.
Hayden Panettiere’s Death At 36 Came As A Shock As Her Father Announced Her Passing
5Panettiere died on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 36. She was found unresponsive after emergency services were called to the property, and attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
Her father, Skip Panettiere, confirmed the devastating news in a statement, describing his daughter as an “incredible light” who brought love and joy to those around her. He also asked for privacy as the family processed the loss.
The actress leaves behind her 11-year-old daughter Kaya, whom she shared with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko.