The Shocking Claims About Hayden Panettiere's Ex That Are Raising Eyebrows

New details regarding Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson’s toxic on-again, off-again relationship are being revealed following the actress’ sudden and tragic death at 36. Panettiere’s estranged mother, Lesley Vogel, claimed to The New York Times on Sunday, August 23, that Hickerson, 37, had once pawned “some of” the Nashville alum’s belongings, including a vintage guitar, at an undisclosed time prior to her death. Vogel further alleged that Panettiere was ultimately “shocked” to find more of her possessions in Hickerson’s storage unit. A second individual, speaking to The Times anonymously, corroborated Vogel’s accusations that Hickerson previously sold a handful of Panettiere’s belongings. Hickerson has not publicly addressed the accusations. Us reached out for comment regarding claims he pawned her property.

Panettiere and Hickerson dated on and off from 2018 to 2020, ultimately breaking up following a domestic violence incident in Wyoming. Hickerson was ultimately sentenced to one year in jail in connection to the incident, which a judge later suspended in exchange for one year of probation. In May, Panettiere began a book tour to celebrate the release of her This Is Me: A Reckoning memoir. According to two unidentified sources with knowledge of the matter who spoke to The Times, a Barnes & Noble store in New York City was given strict instructions not to allow Hickerson into the venue. Per the outlet’s insiders, Panettiere was accompanied by private security with the alleged intent to keep Hickerson away from her. “I really thought I had done it and I was capable of doing it by myself,” she said of her relationship with Hickerson on the “On Purpose” podcast weeks earlier, months before her suspected overdose death. “I needed an incredible amount of support and backup in order to make sure that there was no way for him to find his way back in.”

Hickerson, through an attorney, broke his silence on Panettiere’s death on Thursday, August 20. “Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” Hickerson’s attorney Sloan Ellis told Us in a statement. “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.” Panettiere was found dead in South Carolina on August 16, with a local police report claiming that Hickerson was present at the scene with his brother, Zach. Narcan was reportedly used and life-saving measures, including CPR, were made but were ultimately unsuccessful. “After EMS officially declared Hayden deceased, I escorted Zach [Hickerson] and Brian out of the apartment,” a police report obtained by Us read, referring to Brian’s brother. “I observed Zach to be very emotional while EMS were working on Hayden. Brian did not become emotional until EMS declared her officially deceased.”