Hayden Panettiere’s former lover Brian Hickerson has publicly addressed the actress’s death for the first time, offering a curt six-word response following the heartbreaking news.
According to E! News on Wednesday, the Scream star’s boyfriend was asked by a photographer how he was coping during the difficult time while stopping to refuel at a gas station in Greenville, South Carolina.
He responded, “How do you think I'm doing?” to the photographer, who offered their condolences a month after Panettiere's death at 36 on August 16 at a residence in Greenville, South Carolina, in what authorities said was a suspected drug 'overdose.'
Hickerson then shared, “Appreciate it – that's all I got for you, man.”
His attorney, Sloan Ellis, said in an August 20 statement that “Hayden’s death remains under investigation” and urged that the process be allowed to continue.
“As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play. Out of respect for Hayden's loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time,” he added.
Hickerson has remained in the spotlight in recent days following a string of turbulent incidents.
On Saturday, police were seen handcuffing him after an incident at Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, South Carolina.
Sources told TMZ that Hickerson and his brother clashed with other patrons after allegedly being heckled over Panettiere’s death.
Following the clash, Hickerson was seen throwing a barstool and, while handcuffed, accused police of leaking information about his girlfriend’s death.
His brother Zach was arrested for disorderly conduct.
The following day, Hickerson was involved in a motorcycle crash while riding a Suzuki Hayabusa with Zach as a passenger after picking him up from jail.
To note, Panettiere first began dating Hickerson in 2018, however their on-off relationship became tumultuous as he was arrested several times on domestic violence charges.
