Brian Hickerson’s history of alleged violence reportedly predates his relationship with actress Hayden Panettiere, with a 2010 incident involving his father and brother also resulting in charges. His older half-sister, Ashley Hickerson, has spoken about her brother’s charisma and the factors she believes contributed to Panettiere’s repeated returns to him, despite the documented abuse that marked their relationship.
Early Allegations of Violence
Records from South Carolina indicate that in November 2010, a then 21-year-old Brian Hickerson faced charges of third-degree assault and battery by mob. These charges stemmed from an incident that occurred nine days prior in his hometown of Greenville. His father, David Hickerson, then 72, and his brother, Zachary Hickerson, 38, were also charged in connection with the same event. Ashley Hickerson confirmed her family’s recollection of the incident, stating that “some people caused a riot with them in 2010.” She noted that her father attributed the situation to that event.
Ashley described her brother Brian as exceptionally charismatic and capable of drawing people in. She suggested that his struggles with substance abuse were the root cause of his more troubling behavior. “We all have our demons,” Ashley stated. “Brian was not raised that way. It wasn’t until he got into drugs that he went south.”
Escalating Domestic Incidents
Years later, more serious confrontations reportedly occurred within the Hickerson family and involving Panettiere. In August 2018, reports emerged of a physical altercation between Brian and Zachary Hickerson at Panettiere’s Hollywood Hills residence. Subsequently, in October 2018, police responded to another violent incident at the Hickerson family home in Greenville, with Panettiere present. This confrontation involved Brian and his father, David.
During the investigation into the October 2018 incident, responding officers noted that Panettiere reported Brian Hickerson had “destroyed her kitchen” the previous April. This disclosure came months before allegations of physical abuse by Brian against Panettiere became public knowledge. The police report detailed an officer observing David Hickerson with apparent blood on his face, while Brian was seen behind him holding an object, seemingly pursuing his father through the kitchen. Panettiere, who was inside, appeared distressed and struggled to open the door for the officers.
Brian Hickerson exhibited agitation and defiance when confronted by the officer. He denied assaulting his father, who claimed his injuries were the result of a fall, despite the report noting severe bruising. The case was ultimately “exceptionally cleared” due to the victim’s non-cooperation. However, Panettiere’s statement to police about her damaged kitchen provided an early indication of discord within the couple’s relationship.
Legal Consequences and Panettiere’s Perspective
Brian Hickerson faced multiple arrests beginning in May 2019 concerning alleged violence against Panettiere. In 2021, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a partner. He received a sentence of 45 days in county jail, serving 13 days, along with four years of probation and mandatory domestic violence classes. Following these events, Panettiere spoke publicly about the abuse and the complex emotional ties that led her to repeatedly return to Hickerson.
Brian Hickerson has also publicly acknowledged his actions. In an interview in May of the current year, he stated, “I got arrested for abusing her,” and admitted to specific incidents described in Panettiere’s memoir. Ashley Hickerson noted that her brother had sought treatment and was working on his issues, stating, “He did own up to his s**t.”
Understanding the Attraction and Family Grief
Ashley Hickerson reiterated her understanding of why Panettiere was drawn to her brother, citing his extraordinary charm and ability to make people laugh, even amidst his violent tendencies which she attributed to substance abuse. “Brian is just the type of person who can make you laugh no matter what and he can be fun,” Ashley said.
Despite the well-documented troubles between Brian Hickerson and Hayden Panettiere, Ashley expressed that the Hickerson family is also experiencing grief over Panettiere’s death. “A massive tragedy has happened,” she said. “My family is really feeling this loss as well.” She specifically mentioned their father, David, being deeply affected. Ashley emphasized that the violent incidents do not represent her family, whom she described as “amazing people” and stressed that, like all families, they have their own challenges.
Hayden Panettiere, 36, passed away on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina, from apparent cardiac arrest following a suspected drug overdose. Both Brian and Zachary Hickerson were reportedly present at the scene when she was pronounced dead. The circumstances surrounding her death are under investigation.
Conclusion
The revelations from Ashley Hickerson shed light on Brian Hickerson’s long-standing struggles with alleged violence, often linked to substance abuse, and offer a perspective on the complicated dynamics of his relationship with Hayden Panettiere. While acknowledging his past actions and efforts toward rehabilitation, the history underscores the serious concerns surrounding domestic abuse and addiction.
