Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of Hayden Panettiere, was detained by police after an altercation at a Greenville, South Carolina bar on Saturday night, September 12.
Authorities arrived at the scene following reports of an assault, involving Hickerson and his brother, Zach. While Hickerson was briefly held by officers, his brother was arrested for disorderly conduct. The incident adds to the turmoil surrounding Hickerson’s recent history, especially following the tragic death of Panettiere.
Details of the Incident
Footage acquired by TMZ captured a disruptive scene, with individuals shouting and chaos unfolding. Video reportedly shows Hickerson throwing a barstool and being forcibly ejected from the establishment. During the conflict, he can be heard expressing frustration about the Greenville Police Department’s handling of Panettiere’s passing last month.
Hickerson was reported to have blood on his face during the encounter with police, where he allegedly yelled about the department leaking information regarding Panettiere’s death. Ultimately, he was released after questioning, whereas his brother faced arrest for expressing aggression and being “highly intoxicated,” according to a police statement.
Context of Hayden Panettiere’s Passing
- Hayden Panettiere was found unresponsive on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, declaring her just 36 years old.
- Emergency services arrived following a call regarding a person in cardiac arrest, but attempts to revive her were unsuccessful.
- While no official cause of death has been disclosed, the presence of Narcan at the scene and a 911 call referencing an “overdose” have raised questions.
- Toxicology results remain pending, indicating no signs of trauma were found.
Panettiere’s relationship with Hickerson has been fraught with difficulty, characterized by tumult and legal issues, including Hickerson’s conviction on felony domestic violence charges in 2021. In her memoir published in 2026, Panettiere described their time together as “abusive” and “traumatic,” which Hickerson later acknowledged.
Following Panettiere’s death, Hickerson met with Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agents as part of an ongoing investigation into circumstances surrounding her passing. Reports suggest authorities are pursuing leads that may involve individuals connected to drug provision.
This investigation remains active, shedding light on the challenges following a high-profile tragedy that has deeply affected fans and the wider community.