NEWSHayden Panettiere Feels Jail 'Changed' On & Off Boyfriend Brian Hickerson Despite Being Involved In Bar Brawl After Domestic Violence Charges: Source
Hayden Panettiere has been sticking by her man Brian Hickerson despite her loved ones voicing their concerns.
Following the on-again, off-again duo recently being involved in a violent fight with fellow bar patrons outside West Hollywood's Sunset Marquis Hotel, insiders revealed the Nashville actress, 32, still feels she's seen a "change" in Hickerson.
“Hayden says people can learn from their mistakes,” a source told Us Weekly of Panettiere's decision to get back with the South Carolina native. “She swears that Brian has changed for the better since being in jail, and anger management classes have taught him to control his temper.”
Hickerson was sentenced to 33 days in prison and placed on four years’ probation after being charged with eight counts of domestic violence and assault for allegedly punching the I Love You, Beth Cooper star in the face in July of 2020. The actor pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, and the remaining six counts against him were dismissed.
However, the alleged domestic violence has not stopped the two from rekindling their relationship. A source close to the New York native noted that she has cut friends and peers “who are anti-Brian” out of her life. “She’s become secretive with other friends."
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“She takes ages to respond and sends one-word answers by text and cryptic messages,” the source close to Panettiere — who shares daughter Kaya, 7, with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko — explained to the outlet.
On Thursday, March 24, the couple was dining at the restaurant located in the infamous Hollywood hotel when, according to Panettiere's representative, Hickerson “made a comment to an individual about leaving the waitress a poor tip."
“That same individual along with the group he was with began badgering and shoving Brian at which point security pushed everyone outside," the rep continued about the headline-making incident.
An inside source also revealed to the outlet that the former child star "was shouting and screaming at the group. Regardless of who started it, it’s not a good look,” adding, “She has her own issues and insecurities, and she and Brian make a bad combo.”
Panettiere and Hickerson began their tumultuous romance back in August of 2018. Less than a year into their relationship, Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence after police found “redness and marks” on the mother-of-one following an alleged argument between the two.
The altercation led to a protective order against the businessman, which mandated that he could not come within 100 yards of Panettiere nor contact her via phone, email or third party. In September of 2019, the charges against him were dropped.
