Hayden Panettiere, the talented actress known for her roles in popular television shows, has navigated a tumultuous personal life that has kept her in the public eye for many years. The star recently disclosed details about her life, including her romantic history and struggles with mental health, in her memoir entitled *This Is Me: A Reckoning*, which was released in May 2026.
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The former *Heroes* actress has been linked with several notable figures throughout her career. Her first widely publicised relationship was with Stephen Colletti, a reality television star from *Laguna Beach*. The couple dated for almost two years, from 2006 until late 2007, as Panettiere’s fame was rising rapidly due to her leading role on *Heroes*.
Following her relationship with Colletti, Panettiere’s romantic life involved a passionate connection with her *Heroes* co-star, Milo Ventimiglia. Their relationship blossomed after she turned eighteen, with Panettiere recalling in her memoir how their friendship transitioned into romance during a European press tour. “Maybe it was the sights or the food or the fact that everyone fell all over us,” she wrote, reflecting on the joy they shared while travelling together. The couple eventually parted ways in 2009.
However, it was her high-profile engagement to Ukrainian boxing champion Wladimir Klitschko that significantly impacted her life. The pair began dating in 2009 after meeting at a party, but they experienced an on-again, off-again relationship lasting nearly a decade. Panettiere and Klitschko welcomed their daughter, Kaya, in December 2014, but their relationship came to a conclusion in 2018. Since their separation, Kaya has primarily lived with her father, as Panettiere embarked on a journey of recovery from her struggles with alcoholism. In her memoir, she expressed her heartache about not being the mother she envisioned herself to be, stating, “Trust me, no one should ever have to raise a child on FaceTime.”
Amid her challenges, Panettiere briefly dated Scotty McKnight, a professional American football player, after her first split from Klitschko. Their romance lasted from 2011 until late 2012, further highlighting the actress’s attempts to maintain some semblance of normalcy in her life amid professional pressures and personal struggles.
After her relationship with McKnight, Panettiere became involved with aspiring actor Brian Hickerson. This relationship marked a darker chapter in her life, characterised by troubling incidents of alleged domestic violence. In 2019, Hickerson faced charges for willfully causing injury to Panettiere; these charges were later dropped. However, the situation escalated dramatically in July 2020, leading to further felony charges and allegations of physical and emotional abuse. Panettiere was forthright about her experiences, seeking to empower others in abusive situations to seek help.
In April 2021, Hickerson was sentenced to 45 days in jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts related to the abuse. He was also mandated to complete domestic violence classes and was placed on probation. Despite the tumultuous nature of their relationship and the eventual split in 2022, Panettiere later expressed forgiveness for Hickerson, reflecting on the importance of making amends and finding inner peace following a tumultuous period in her life.
Panettiere’s focus now is on her daughter and her personal recovery. She freely admits that her experiences have not been easy, but she remains hopeful as she continues to work on herself. “I grieve that I’m not the mother I thought I’d be,” she wrote in her memoir, underscoring the complexities of balancing fame, motherhood, and personal battles.
The journey that Hayden Panettiere has taken is a vivid illustration of the challenges celebrities often face behind closed doors. As she continues to share her story, she also provides a powerful message about resilience, the importance of seeking help, and the hope of carving out a better future for both herself and her daughter.