Brian Hickerson Detained and Brother Arrested After South Carolina Altercation

Brian Hickerson, the on-again, off-again boyfriend of the late actress Hayden Panettiere, was briefly detained by police officers following an alleged altercation at a South Carolina restaurant. According to the Greenville Police Department, officers were dispatched to the Wild Wing Cafe around 9:10 p.m. on Sept. 12 after receiving reports regarding an assault.

Brian Hickerson Detained and Brother Arrested After South Carolina Altercation

Brian and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were among several individuals involved in the incident, which reportedly stemmed from a heated exchange with hecklers. An eyewitness reported that patrons at a nearby table confronted the brothers multiple times about Panettiere’s death. Footage of the chaotic scene obtained by TMZ showed Brian being carried out of the establishment by a man in a red baseball cap and subsequently placed in handcuffs. While sitting in handcuffs on the curb, Brian began shouting at law enforcement, claiming that the police department had leaked details surrounding Panettiere’s passing.

According to a spokesperson for the Greenville Police Department, Brian Hickerson was released on the scene and was not charged. However, his brother Zach was taken into custody. Police stated that Zach was heavily intoxicated and yelling profanities, leading to his arrest for disorderly conduct. Zach was later released on bond, according to jail records. Speaking outside the Greenville County Detention Centre, Zach expressed frustration to TMZ, stating that internet rumors had sparked tensions and led to attacks against them.

Context Surrounding Hayden Panettiere’s Death

The restaurant altercation occurred nearly a month after Hayden Panettiere died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36 inside a South Carolina residence. Both Brian and Zach Hickerson were present at the scene when emergency responders arrived. According to police reports, Zach stated that Brian had been sleeping in a separate room of the Airbnb before they found the actress unresponsive in a chair. First responders attempted to revive her, and 911 dispatch audio mentioned an overdose while Narcan was administered at the scene.

Brian Hickerson Detained and Brother Arrested After South Carolina Altercation — Photo: tasteofcountry.com

Panettiere’s official cause of death remains unreleased, with toxicology and autopsy results pending. A preliminary report indicated no signs of trauma. Meanwhile, investigators have continued looking into the circumstances surrounding her death, with reports noting ongoing inquiries and DEA involvement regarding potential sources of drugs.

History of the Couple’s Relationship

Brian Hickerson and Panettiere had a turbulent, on-again, off-again relationship that began in 2018 following her split from fiancé Wladimir Klitschko. During their time together, Hickerson was arrested multiple times for domestic violence. In 2020, he pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring Panettiere, resulting in a sentence of 45 days in jail, four years of probation, and domestic violence classes. Panettiere later characterized the relationship as abusive and traumatic in her upcoming 2026 memoir, This is Me: A Reckoning. Despite their history and a subsequent breakup, the pair had fueled speculation of a reconciliation in the months leading up to her death after being photographed together by paparazzi.