Brian Hickerson, the ex-boyfriend of Hayden Panettiere, has reportedly lost 40 pounds since the actress died on August 16 at age 36. Sources close to him say he is extremely heartbroken and grieving, which is the kind of detail that lands differently when you remember there’s a federal investigation still unfolding around her death.
That grief spilled into public view recently when an outing with his brother Zach ended at a Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, South Carolina. According to reports, Brian was heckled by patrons who accused him of killing Panettiere, and the situation escalated until Zach was arrested for disorderly conduct. Brian’s history is part of why tempers are running high. He pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, and Panettiere detailed abuse allegations in her May memoir.
Meanwhile, the DEA is investigating her death, including texts exchanged with her alleged drug dealer, and the Greenville County Coroner’s Office is involved. That means the full picture is still being assembled, even as the internet has already decided what it thinks. What do you think should happen when public grief meets public anger?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.