Hayden Panettiere and Brian Hickerson had a tumultuous relationship marked by several incidents of domestic violence and arrests. In her memoir, 'This Is Me: A Reckoning,' released in May 2026, just three months before her tragic death, the actress opened up about her abusive relationship with Hickerson. "One night he busts up my face so badly I don't leave the house for weeks," she wrote.
"I've struggled with how to tell this because I don't want to be a spokesperson for domestic violence," Panettiere said in the book. "I never wanted to call myself a victim, but here I am."
In an interview with TMZ about the memoir, Hickerson acknowledged the abuse, saying he’s “had a couple of opportunities to apologize for it and reflect on it.” He added that he had recently spoken with Panettiere about the memoir and supported her decision to write it.
The two had an on-and-off relationship from 2018 until her death on August 16.
Sadly, Panettiere’s experience is not unique. According to statistics, one in four women in the United States has been subject to severe physical violence by an intimate partner, and Hollywood isn't left out of this tragic reality. In fact, many celebrities have suffered the trauma of domestic abuse, either as children or in their romantic relationships.
There's no doubt that domestic abuse leaves deep, painful wounds that can last a lifetime. Click through this gallery to learn about the celebrities who suffered domestic abuse.