Brian Hickerson, the former boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, was handcuffed by police following an alleged altercation at a bar in Greenville, South Carolina. During the incident, Hickerson shouted about Panettiere's death.
According to a spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department, officers responded to a reported assault at the Wild Wing Cafe around 9:10 p.m. on Saturday. Upon arrival, officers found Hickerson, his brother Zach, and other patrons involved in the dispute.
While Zach Hickerson was taken into custody for disorderly conduct due to his intoxicated state, Brian Hickerson was released from the scene without being charged. Video circulating online shows Hickerson, in handcuffs and seated on the ground, exclaiming, "GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died," referencing Panettiere.
Reports indicate that Brian and Zach Hickerson had been drinking for several hours before the incident. The argument reportedly began when Brian approached other patrons at the bar. Video footage appears to show Hickerson flinging a chair, and later being physically restrained by another individual.
Both Brian and Zach Hickerson were present at the Airbnb in Greenville where Panettiere died last month. Zach Hickerson previously told TMZ that Brian administered Narcan to Panettiere after finding her unconscious and that they jointly performed CPR. Panettiere was pronounced dead on August 16.
Brian Hickerson's attorney, Sloan Ellis, previously issued a statement noting that Panettiere's death is under investigation and that "police confirmed there were no signs of foul play." The statement added that no further comment would be made out of respect for Panettiere's loved ones and the ongoing investigation.
Last week, TMZ reported that Brian Hickerson had met with the Drug Enforcement Administration as part of their investigation into Panettiere's death. Investigators are reportedly focusing on identifying a potential drug dealer.
Hickerson has a history of legal troubles, including multiple arrests for domestic violence against Panettiere. In August 2025, he was arrested at a bar in West Hollywood, California, in an incident where he reportedly spit at officers.