Brian Hickerson reacted to Hayden Panettiere’s domestic violence admissions in her memoir, responding with surprising remarks about their relationship.

Hayden Panettiere’s new memoir is sparking fresh conversation, and this time it’s coming directly from her former partner.. After Panettiere’s vulnerable domestic violence admissions in *This Is Me: A Reckoning*. Brian Hickerson has weighed in publicly—offering comments that are as blunt as they are revealing.

In a video interview with TMZ’s Charlie Neff on Tuesday. Hickerson responded to how Panettiere characterized him and their relationship in the book.. He said. in essence. that the situation “speaks for itself. ” adding that he was arrested for abusing her and that he wouldn’t blame her friends for feeling angry.. He also said he didn’t feel he had “much to say” beyond that.

Hickerson then addressed the 2020 abuse incident that led to his arrest in Wyoming.. He acknowledged that he had been drinking heavily and said he got physical with Panettiere. telling Neff that he was arrested and spent the night in jail.. He framed the incident as something that can happen when a person “lays hands on women. ” underscoring a bottom-line message rather than attempting to soften what occurred.

He also discussed what it meant to keep returning to the topic from Panettiere’s perspective.. According to his account. the two had been together for eight years. and he said discussions about his abuse came up often.. He claimed he had several opportunities to apologize and reflect. while stressing his view that “you never lay hands on a woman.”

When asked about the current status of their relationship. Hickerson said it has shifted into “mutual respect.” He added that Panettiere would “always” hold a special place in his heart and he hopes she feels the same way. but described them now as “good buddies.” He also said he spoke with Panettiere as recently as the day before his interview. explaining that the conversation focused on the book and her worries about it being her first.

Even with that reassurance, Hickerson admitted he is uncertain about reconciliation.. He said he hopes things could work out. but also suggested that Panettiere likely doesn’t see it the same way.. In his view. Panettiere is among the most talented people he has ever met. and he suggested it would be wrong for him to stand in the way of her career.. He added that they probably wouldn’t be good together and expressed a desire to see what she does across the next decades of her work.

In his remarks about Panettiere’s memoir itself. Hickerson said her book is “incredible.” He said he believes everyone should read it. especially pointing to the domestic violence material and what he described as his own chapter.. He noted that being confronted by a story about yourself is difficult, but argued that vulnerability is necessary.

Hickerson also touched on the idea that the memoir could be meaningful beyond Panettiere’s story.. He suggested that it may be “more important for abusers” to read. arguing that domestic violence doesn’t get identified early enough in life.. He said that in his own experience. he was never called what domestic violence was. and implied that earlier recognition might have helped prevent him from repeating the behavior.

This exchange lands at a moment when *This Is Me: A Reckoning* is positioning Panettiere’s account as a reckoning rather than a retelling.. The comments from Hickerson. while framed around his arrest and his personal responsibility. also signal how directly her disclosures are reaching the person at the center of the story—turning private history into a public. ongoing conversation.

The implications are bigger than one interview.. Domestic violence stories often reshape how families. friends. and communities understand warning signs and accountability. and Panettiere’s decision to speak so openly appears to be pushing that discussion forward.. At the same time. Hickerson’s willingness to name the incident and address it publicly may add another layer to how readers interpret the book—especially those searching for lessons about consequences and change.

For readers engaging with this memoir and the reactions around it. the conversation can also highlight the importance of early intervention and accessible support.. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence. help is available through the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 800-799-7233. or by texting START to 88788.

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