Hayden Panettiere‘s boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has broken his silence days after the actress’ sudden death on Sunday, August 16. Hickerson released a statement through his lawyer, Sloan Ellis, and asked people to look to investigators’ comments about her death. Earlier this year, Panettiere spoke about her tumultuous relationship with Hickerson and detailed his alleged domestic abuse.
Ellis spoke with TMZ on Thursday, August 20, on Hickerson’s behalf and told the outlet that Panettiere’s tragic death is still under investigation and spoke about the importance of letting the legal process play out.
The statement continued, “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.”
Elsewhere in the statement, Hickerson’s lawyer said that they would not release any further comment out of “respect” for Panettiere’s “loved ones” and friends.
Brian Hickerson Allegedly Beat Hayden Panettiere So Bad She Couldn’t Leave The House
Panettiere detailed the challenges she had to overcome while dating Hickerson in 2019 and 2020. In her memoir, “This Is Me,” the “Remember the Titans” actress alleged that she was beaten so badly by Hickerson, an aspiring actor, that she couldn’t leave the house for weeks.
According to NBC News, Hickerson was arrested in May 2019 after police received a tip that he’d allegedly injured a spouse or girlfriend. He pleaded no contest in April 2020 and was sentenced to four years of probation.
Shortly after, Panettiere spoke with the media about why she was choosing to speak out about the alleged abuse and said that she wanted to put a spotlight on Hickerson so that other women can be aware.
“I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again,” she said.
This is a developing story…
