Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Spotted Being Handcuffed, Shouting About Her Death After Alleged Bar Altercation

Brian Hickerson, the former partner of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, was involved in a reported altercation at a bar in Greenville, South Carolina, on September 12. Eyewitness accounts indicate that the incident escalated to a point where he had to be handcuffed by police, although he was not formally arrested.

The incident took place at the Wild Wing Café, where Hickerson, 37, was enjoying the evening with his brother, Zach Hickerson. Reports suggest that both brothers had been drinking heavily over several hours, which may have contributed to their behaviour. According to sources, the atmosphere shifted when Brian became embroiled in an argument at the bar and allegedly threw a bar stool in frustration.

A video shared on social media appears to document this incident, showing Brian being escorted out of the venue, while a bartender can be heard urging, “Let him go!” The Greenville Police Department confirmed that officers were dispatched to the restaurant following calls reporting an “assault.”

In a video that surfaced online, Brian can be heard making a dramatic accusation directed at the police, claiming, “GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died.” This comment seems to reference the recent death of Panettiere, who was found unresponsive at her home on August 16, aged just 36. The circumstances surrounding her death are still being investigated, with authorities awaiting toxicology reports to determine the cause.

Zach Hickerson was reportedly arrested at the scene for disorderly conduct, having been described as “highly intoxicated” and shouting profanities. His behaviour is suggested to have drawn the attention of the police, leading to his detainment. An account provided by Zach to media outlets indicated that he had gone to his brother’s home after failing to contact either Brian or Panettiere. Upon arriving, he discovered her unresponsive and called emergency services while Brian administered Narcan and attempted CPR until help arrived.

Brian’s tumultuous relationship with Panettiere has been marked by a series of domestic violence incidents. The couple began their on-and-off relationship in 2018, but it was marred by controversy, including Brian’s arrest on multiple occasions for domestic violence. In 2021, he entered a no contest plea to two felony counts of injuring a partner, resulting in jail time, probation, and mandated domestic violence classes.

Despite the recent tragic events surrounding Panettiere’s death, details remain scarce as investigations continue. Authorities are still reviewing the circumstances and awaiting further toxicology analysis.

The Greenville Police Department has not publicly commented on the specifics of the recent altercation or the allegations made by Brian Hickerson. However, the ongoing attention to the circumstances of Panettiere’s passing continues to overshadow subsequent events involving those close to her.

As the investigation into Panettiere’s death proceeds and the fallout from the bar incident continues to develop, the wider community remains distressed by the series of events that have unfolded. In the wake of this turmoil, mental health and substance abuse resources are being highlighted to those who may be struggling. If anyone faces challenges related to substance misuse or domestic violence, they are encouraged to seek help from appropriate support services, such as the SAMHSA helpline or the National Domestic Violence Hotline.

With the public’s attention firmly on the circumstances surrounding both the death of a beloved actress and the subsequent behaviour of her former partner, it remains to be seen how these events will unfold in the coming weeks.