Brian Hickerson Acknowledges Abuse, Discusses His Relationship With Hayden Panettiere Following Her Memoir Release

Following the publication of Hayden Panettiere's memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning, her ex-partner Brian Hickerson has come forward to address the abuse allegations detailed in the 36-year-old actress's book.

In a recent interview, Hickerson acknowledged his past behavior toward Panettiere during their on-and-off relationship spanning several years. When questioned about the abusive relationship allegations and Panettiere's account of keeping the relationship hidden from close friends due to shame, he stated: "I got arrested for abusing her. And I wouldn't blame her friends for being pissed off at me. So I don't really have much to say on that."

He continued, reflecting on their eight-year connection: "I had a couple opportunities to apologize for it and reflect on it…you'd have to ask her what she thinks about it, but you know…you never lay hands on a woman. Bottom line."

Hickerson revealed that he spoke with Panettiere the day before the interview, saying the conversation centered on her book. "The only thing I said to her is I was like, 'Look, dude.' I was like, 'You got one of the craziest stories I've ever heard in my life, and when people read it, it's going to be a hit,'" he recalled.

Addressing a 2020 incident that resulted in his arrest, Hickerson admitted: "I had a lot to drink and I got physical with her. I got arrested. Spent the night in jail and um, you know, that's just what happens when you lay hands on women."

Recent photographs of the two together at an airport in March prompted questions about their current status. Hickerson described their relationship as built on "mutual respect," saying: "She'll always hold a special place in my heart and, you know, I hope the same for her. But um yeah, we're just good buddies."

Hickerson stated he has been actively working on his recovery, attending AA meetings and therapy sessions. He praised Panettiere's memoir as "incredible," encouraging others to read it. "I already told my family about what what I did. I just want people to know. I mean, like people do this all the time, you know?" he said.

On the broader topic of domestic violence, Hickerson expressed his belief that education about the issue should begin earlier in life. "My biggest thing about domestic violence is I don't think it is taught early enough in life. Never in my life did I ever get taught what domestic violence was, right? Maybe if I did at an early age, maybe I wouldn't have done what I did," he explained.

He also shared a particular incident from the book—one he hadn't wanted included—in which he allegedly threatened to throw a phone at Panettiere after giving her ten seconds to run.

The relationship history between the two dates back to 2018, when they began dating while Panettiere was struggling with alcohol and opioid addiction. In May 2019, Hickerson faced domestic violence charges following an alleged incident with Panettiere, who subsequently received a protective order. The case was eventually dismissed. The couple later reconciled, but in July 2020, Hickerson was arrested on eight domestic violence charges. He was sentenced to 45 days in prison in April 2021, after which the two reunited once again.

In an April 2023 interview with The New York Times, Panettiere confirmed they were still in contact, with Hickerson present in her apartment during the conversation. When asked about their status, she responded: "There are feelings there, yes." She emphasized that while she does not condone his past actions, their reunion was conditional on his continued recovery. "He knows he deserved what happened to him," she stated, adding that she did not make the decision to be with him lightly.

Both are now sober, though Panettiere acknowledged feeling self-conscious about how their relationship appears publicly.