Hayden Panettiere Is 'Taking Back Her Life' After Ex-Boyfriend's Arrest

Hayden Panettiere is telling her story of domestic abuse with the hope that it'll help other victims as well.

People reports that Panettiere's ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, was arrested on Thursday (July 16) and charged with four charges of corporal injury on a spouse/cohabitant, two charges of assault and one charge of intimidating a witness. All of the charges come from previous incidents that took place between May 2019 and June 2020. According to charging documents, the Nashville actress is the alleged victim in all of the charged incidents.

Hickerson's arrest came one day after Panettiere filed an out-of-state restraining order against Hickerson in California on Wednesday (July 15).

"I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve," Panettiere said in a statement. "I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I'm grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life."

Panettiere's attorney Alan Jackson issued the following statement: "After suffering for years as the victim of psychological, emotional and severe physical abuse, Hayden Panettiere has begun the process of taking back her life. Hayden has found the strength and courage to share the truth about her abuse and her abuser, and she intends to assist the prosecution to see that justice is served. As a survivor, she recognizes that her arduous journey of healing has just begun."

In August 2018, Panettiere ended her engagement with boxer Wladimir Klitschko, who is the father of her daughter Kaya, and started dating Hickerson. Shortly after, the couple began making headlines for rumors of alcohol abuse and violence. In May of 2019, Hickerson was arrested for domestic violence after police responded to a call from the couple's home in Los Angeles where they found redness and marks on Panettiere's body. He was charged with felony domestic violence after that incident and then faced arrest again after allegedly punching Panettire in the face in February of 2020.

A source told People that Panettiere is "taking this incredibly brave step as part of her recovery process."

"She has been undergoing successful treatment for alcohol abuse issues and is focused on healing, sobriety and recovery," the source continued. "She wants to be honest about what happened in the hope that it may help someone else who is dealing with emotional abuse, intimidation or physical violence."

"This is a turning point for her as she stands up for herself, her family and the many other people impacted by intimate partner violence," the source added.

A spokesperson for the Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department tells People that Hickerson remains in custody on a $320,000 bail, with his arraignment set for Monday (July 20).

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