Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson spoke publicly about their tumultuous relationship just three months before the star's death.
Following her split from fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she welcomed a daughter named Kaya, the Ice Princess actress went on to date aspiring actor and real estate agent Brian on and off for eight years from 2018 to 2022, which turned abusive.
Brian addressed their highly public relationship in a rare interview earlier in the year, which prompted comments from fans remarking that the comments and his demeanor in the video were "extremely confusing" and "bizarre".
© GC Images"Hayden Panettiere is the sweetest thing in the world," he told TMZ in May.
"It's not about who you spend Saturday night with, it's who you spend all day Sunday with and Hayden Panettiere's a Sunday girl."
When asked if he thought it would be better for the actress to not be with him, Brian replied: "I think that Hayden is one of the most talented people I've ever met in my life and I would be an idiot not to walk away from her and let her flourish in her career."
"We probably wouldn't be good together," he admitted, adding: "I'd like to see what she's going to do with the next like 30 years of her career. She'll always hold a special place in my heart, and I hope same for her."
Hayden and Brian's turbulent relationship
Brian was arrested on a domestic violence charge in May 2019 after an alleged altercation. He pleaded not guilty to one count of felony domestic violence and the case was later dismissed.
He was arrested in February 2020 for domestic battery after allegedly punching Hayden in the face. In July, Hayden made a move to obtain a restraining order.
"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," Hayden said in a statement shared with People after Brian was arrested on multiple felony charges.
In April 2021, Brian pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend. He was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, of which he served 33, and four years of formal probation. He was also required to attend 52 domestic violence classes and was ordered to pay a $500 fine.
© Getty ImagesDays before Hayden's death, TMZ reported a judge denied Brian's motions to have his domestic violence charges reduced to misdemeanors and expunged from his record. According to court documents obtained by the outlet, the ruling was made on 13 August.
Hayden died aged 36
Hayden, who rose to fame on Heroes and Nashville, died at the age of 36 on 16 August, just days before her birthday.
"It is with profound sadness that we share the tragic passing of our beloved Hayden," her representative told HELLO!
© FilmMagic"She was an incredible light and a force of nature who brought immeasurable love and joy to all who knew her, and to the millions who watched her onscreen," her father Skip said in a statement. "We ask for privacy as our family takes time to process this unimaginable loss," he added.
"An investigation is ongoing and cause of death has not yet been determined, " Hayden's rep told HELLO!
The actress died of an apparent overdose per new reports by TMZ and People, although further details have not yet been confirmed.
