Brian Hickerson is speaking publicly about the abuse allegations connected to his past relationship with Hayden Panettiere ahead of the release of her memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning.
Speaking on TMZ, the actor admitted it was difficult reading parts of the book that describe incidents from their relationship, especially the part where she detailed keeping it private from her circle because she was embarrassed by the toxic cycle.
“Man, I mean, I think it speaks for itself… I got arrested for abusing her. And I wouldn’t blame her friends for being pissed off at me. So I don’t really have much to say on that.”
He added:
“We’ve been together for eight years, I mean… I had a couple opportunities to apologize for it and reflect on it… you’d have to ask her what she thinks about it, but you know… you never lay hands on a woman. Bottom line.”
Brian Hickerson also addressed a passage alleging an argument in which he threatened Hayden Panettiere during a drunken confrontation.
“I think everyone should read it. I mean, the domestic violence stuff, it’s like page 272. My chapter. Everybody should read it.”
Doubling down on his support despite their sour past, Brian Hickerson told the outlet that he had already discussed the book with Hayden Panettiere “yesterday” and encouraged her to publish it.
“The conversation was about the book… It’s her first book, who wouldn’t be nervous about it? But you know, the only thing I said to her is I was like, ‘Look, dude.’ I was like, ‘You got one of the craziest stories I’ve ever heard in my life, and when people read it, it’s going to be a hit.'”
How Brian Hickerson felt after reading Hayden Panettiere’s memoir
When asked how he felt reading the passage, Brian Hickerson admitted:
“Who wants to read something about themselves like that, right? But you know, you gotta be vulnerable. I did it. I did it.”
The actor also addressed his 2020 arrest after punching her.
“I had a lot to drink and I got physical with her. I got arrested. Spent the night in jail and um, you know, that’s just what happens when you lay hands on women.”
How is the relationship between Brian Hickerson and Hayden Panettiere now
Brian Hickerson and Hayden Panettiere were in a tumultuous, on-and-off relationship from 2018 to 2022, which involved multiple domestic violence incidents and legal issues.
They briefly reconnected in 2023 as friends after both achieved sobriety, as the actress also previously struggled with alcoholism.
Now, their relationship is amicable. Hickerson explained in the TMZ interview about their recent pictures taken together at the airport in March.
“Our relationship now is… I think it’s just a mutual respect thing. She’ll always hold a special place in my heart and, you know, I hope the same for her. But yeah, we’re just good buddies.”
Hayden Panettiere’s memoir, This Is Me: A Reckoning, is set for release on May 19.
Edited by Gladys Altamarino