Brian Hickerson, the alleged abuser of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, has spoken out after her tragic and sudden death. The Hayden Panettiere’s Alleged Abuser Brian Hickerson Speaks Out After Her Death first appeared on The Blast

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.

Hayden Panettiere’s Boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, Spoke Out For The First Time Since Her Death

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.

• The actress recently got back together with her ex, Brian Hickerson, before her death.
•  Her co-star Justin Chatwin said she was “struggling” while filming her final movie.
•  Inside her final text to her friend as investigators continue to examine what led to her tragic passing.
•  Why the actress felt “racked with guilt” over painful custody decision.
•  Fans question the timing of her death over disturbing memoir revelation.
•  Her autopsy revealed new details surrounding the actress’ death.

Hayden Panettiere Died Of ‘Cardiac Arrest’ At 36 In August 2026

Panettiere died at age 36 earlier this week after suffering a “cardiac arrest,” according to The Blast. In a statement to the media, her rep called Panettiere an “incredible light and a force of nature” before praising her for the “immeasurable love” and joy she brought to those in the world.

Panettiere’s partner, Hickerson, was present at the scene when the actress died. According to first responders, investigators spoke with Hickerson’s brother, Zach, who was “emotional” while emergency personnel were working on her. The report also stated that Hickerson wasn’t visibly emotional until she was pronounced dead.

Hickerson reportedly showed first responders a “bag of medication” that the “Bring It On” actress was taking when she died.

Panettiere Felt ‘Groomed’ To Be A Child Star

In addition to the alleged abuse she suffered during her relationship with Hickerson, Panettiere also said in early 2026 that she had a strained relationship with her mother, Lesley.

Panettiere went on to say that she felt “groomed” into being an actor by the elders in her life.

“No was never an option. It was just, ‘Here are your scenes, here’s your dialogue, memorize it, hit the marks, do what your director tells you to do.’ I took my marching orders,” she said.

Panettiere Reflects On Making Her Mother Upset When She Was A Child Star

In her book, the “Bring It On” star said her relationship with acting only got worse as she got older, revealing that her mother’s mood also depended on how well she performed.

“When she was irritated, she opened her mouth ever so slightly. When she was mad, she clenched her jaw. When she was so angry that my best option was to hide under my bed, her lower jaw migrated a few centimeters forward. I looked up and back at Mom, and there was that soul-shattering underbite,” she wrote.

RIP Hayden Panettiere.

The Hayden Panettiere’s Alleged Abuser Brian Hickerson Speaks Out After Her Death first appeared on The Blast