Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Was Called Out by D.A. for Alleged Drug Use 3 Days Before Her Death (Exclusive)

**Court Denies Brian Hickerson’s Petition to Expunge Domestic Violence Convictions Following Hayden Panettiere’s Death**

In a recent court ruling, a Los Angeles judge denied Brian Hickerson’s petition to expunge his domestic violence convictions involving actress Hayden Panettiere, which came just three days before her tragic death. Prosecutors raised concerns regarding Hickerson’s alleged ongoing drug use and recent arrests, bringing his suitability for expungement into question.

Hickerson, 37, had been in an on-and-off relationship with Panettiere, who passed away on Sunday, August 16, at the age of 36. Their relationship had been tumultuous, with Hickerson being convicted of two felony counts of domestic violence in 2021, for which he received a 45-day jail sentence, among other penalties.

Despite having served his time and completed stipulated programs, Hickerson filed a petition to clear his record on July 20, believing he had met the requirements of his probation. However, during a hearing on August 13, prosecutors contested his claim, arguing that Hickerson’s alleged substance abuse undermined his credibility and capability for rehabilitation.

The prosecutor described Hickerson as appearing “quite high” in a recent interview, asserting that he was “very clearly not sober.” This interview, conducted by a reporter from TMZ, reportedly featured Hickerson discussing his abusive behaviour documented in Panettiere’s memoir. Prosecutors highlighted this lapse in sobriety as critical evidence against his request for expungement, particularly in light of his attorney’s assertions that Hickerson was now sober.

In addition to the concerns raised in the courtroom, it emerged that Hickerson had faced two arrests in August 2025 for being under the influence of a controlled substance. Although the first charge was not pursued due to lack of evidence, the second subsequent arrest led to judicial diversion, which was contingent upon attending Narcotics Anonymous sessions and complying with the law. Reports indicated that Hickerson had completed the programme by January 2026, yet his previous brushes with law enforcement were central to the prosecutor’s objections.

Judge Olivia Rosales ultimately ruled against Hickerson’s petition, asserting that his recent legal troubles indicated he had “not remained free of new offences.” This marked Hickerson’s second unsuccessful attempt in over a year to have his felony convictions wiped from the record, following a previous petition in July 2025 that was denied for similar reasons.

Only two days after the hearing, Hickerson and Panettiere travelled together to South Carolina, where she was later found unresponsive and subsequently pronounced dead in what authorities have indicated to be no signs of foul play. Hickerson was reported to be present at the scene alongside his brother when the tragedy occurred, and police noted differing emotional responses from both men.

In light of Panettiere’s sudden demise, Hickerson’s attorney stated that a thorough investigation into the circumstances was essential. A later autopsy, performed by the Greenville County Coroner’s Office, confirmed that there were no signs of trauma contributing to her death, although the investigation remains open.

Panettiere’s death has drawn widespread media attention, particularly given her well-documented battles with addiction and mental health issues. She was previously frank about her struggles in her memoir, “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” published in May 2026, which shed light on her life in the public eye and her relationship with Hickerson.

Her passing has prompted an outpouring of grief from fans and peers alike, with tributes reflecting on her as a “force of nature.” Those closest to Panettiere, including her father and ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, have expressed profound sorrow over the loss.

As investigations into Panettiere’s death continue, the focus on Hickerson highlights a troubling chapter in both their lives. Domestic violence remains a critical issue within society, and following Panettiere’s death, advocates urge those facing abuse to seek help through available resources such as hotlines aimed at providing confidential support.

This ongoing case not only underscores the complexities of relationships embedded in substance abuse issues but also serves as a reminder of the paramount importance of addressing domestic violence and supporting those affected.