Hayden Panettiere’s ex Brian Hickerson yells about her death during bar altercation with police
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Hayden Panettiere’s on-and-off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson was handcuffed by police after a bar fight in South Carolina.
The 37-year-old reportedly shouted about the late actress’ death when police responded to an alleged assault at the Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville on Saturday night.
Hayden Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson has been involved in an alleged bar altercation, and got vocal about her death during a clash with police. Getty
Hickerson was at the bar with his brother Zach, who police said was “highly intoxicated”. Hickerson was then arrested for disorderly conduct and transported to the Greenville County Detention Centre.
In video obtained by TMZ, Hickerson is seen throwing a chair during a heated moment as multiple people tell him to stop.
Later in the video, another man forcefully picked him up from behind as someone screamed, “let him go”.
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In one clip, which was shared on X, Hickerson was seen on the ground in handcuffs before he yelled “GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died”, referencing the late Panettiere.
Hickerson was later released without charge.
Panettiere died on Sunday, August 16 (Monday, August 17 AEST) and Hickerson was with her at the time of her death, along with his brother.
The 911 emergency call revealed that paramedics were called to the property in South Carolina over reports of an overdose. A friend of Panettiere’s reportedly made the phone call.
Panettiere died on August 16, 2026. An official cause of death has not been released. AP
According to the police report, Zach was “very emotional” as paramedics worked on her. Brian allegedly “did not become emotional” until Panettiere was declared dead on the scene.
Brain also handed over a “bag of medication” the actress had in her possession at the time of her death.
The Hickerson brothers kept a low profile in the days following the Nashville star’s sudden death, but Brian broke his silence in a statement released through his attorney Sloan Ellis, on Sunday, August 20.
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” the statement which was shared to TMZ read.
“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play.
“Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
Authorities have since opened a “death investigation”, with police and the coroner working to determine the true cause and manner of the star’s death.
Detectives are also trying to determine if there “could be criminal conduct” behind her death.
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