Hayden Panettiere reportedly instructed her private security team to keep Brian Hickerson away from her as she promoted a memoir detailing their tumultuous relationship. The security directive was allegedly issued before the actress began her book tour in May, approximately three months before Hickerson was present at the South Carolina residence where she died. The revelation offers new insight into where the “Heroes” star reportedly stood with her on-again, off-again boyfriend before they reconnected.
Panettiere released her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” in May and began promoting the book with an appearance in New York City on May 19. According to The New York Times, the actress’ private security team received “clear instructions” to prevent Hickerson from approaching her during the tour. Barnes & Noble in Union Square, which hosted the first stop, was reportedly given a “specific instruction” to “not let in a man named Brian Hickerson.”
The report does not indicate that Hickerson attempted to enter the event. However, the alleged security measure suggests Panettiere wanted distance from him while publicly discussing their relationship and the domestic violence she said she experienced.
Brian Hickerson Was Present When The Actress Died
Despite the security directive, Hickerson was with Panettiere when she died on August 16 at age 36. A police report confirmed that Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were at the Greenville residence when emergency personnel attempted to save the actress.
Brian showed officers a “bag of medication” that Panettiere was reportedly taking. The responding officer described Zach as “very emotional” while first responders worked on Panettiere. Brian reportedly did not become visibly emotional until she was pronounced dead.
The heavily redacted police report does not provide a complete account of the hours preceding her death. Hickerson has not been accused of causing or contributing to Panettiere’s death.
Hickerson Breaks His Silence Through His Attorney
Hickerson addressed Panettiere’s death in a statement released by his attorney, Sloan Ellis. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation, and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” he said. “As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
The statement did not address the report that Panettiere’s security team had been instructed to keep him away during her book tour. The investigation remains active while authorities await toxicology results and additional studies.
Hayden Panettiere Previously Spoke Out About Abuse
Panettiere and Hickerson began their on-and-off relationship in 2018. He was later arrested on multiple domestic violence charges. After his 2020 arrest on eight domestic violence charges, Panettiere publicly addressed her experience.
“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 they need and deserve,” she said at the time. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”
Hickerson pleaded no contest in April 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes and a $500 fee. He also received a five-year restraining order barring him from going near Panettiere.
Actress Later Reconnected With Hickerson
During a 2022 interview with PEOPLE Magazine, Panettiere described her relationship with Hickerson as “a very dark and complicated time in my life.” “I wanted to party, I wanted to do everything I wasn’t supposed to do. Acting was my life, but I felt so bad about myself that I lost trust in myself. And that is very detrimental. The idea of not having a responsibility was very appealing at the time,” she explained.
Panettiere had reconnected with Hickerson as a friend by the time of that interview. “I think [Brian] has done his time and was willing to get help. I think about the things I have done in my life that people forgave me for. Making amends is a really important thing that you learn in treatment,” she said. “And it gives you a lot of inner peace.”
The police report from the day of her death identified Panettiere as Hickerson’s girlfriend, indicating their relationship had reportedly become romantic again.
Lesley Vogel Calls Their Bond ‘Codependent’
Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, claimed her daughter and Hickerson shared a toxic “codependent bond” that was “much more powerful than people realized.” Vogel has repeatedly expressed concern about Hickerson’s influence and said her daughter once recognized that she needed to remove him from her life.
Hickerson has not publicly responded to Vogel’s latest allegations.
