Hayden Panettiere is speaking out for the first time after officially filing for a restraining order from her ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson. Sadly, Panettiere and Hickerson have had a tumultuous relationship over the years which included Hickerson being arrested multiple times for domestic abuse.
According to Page Six, the actress filed a request for an out-of-state restraining order that would protect her in California five months after Hickerson’s second arrest. Hickerson was arrested on Valentine’s Day 2020 after allegedly assaulting Panettiere.
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Hickerson was charged with battery and is expected in court as a result of the charges in September. Hickerson has pleaded not guilty.
As TMZ reports, Hickerson was charged with an 8-count complaint which includes “domestic violence charges and assault charges. “Seven of the 8 charges are felonies,” TMZ explained. A similar incident occurred between Hickerson and Panettiere in May 2019.
It’s unclear if Panettiere’s daughter, whom she shared with her ex-husband, Wladimir Klitschko, ever witnessed any of these domestic events. It is believed that the 5-year-old primarily lives with Klitschko.
Now Panettiere is speaking out in hopes that it can help other people in a similar situation get out before it’s too late.
After filing for the restraining order, the actress took to her new Instagram page to share a statement regarding what she has been through during her relationship with Hickerson.
“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,” Panettiere wrote. “I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I’m grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life.”
“For anyone else affected by abuse and needing support, please know that you can call 1-800-799-7233. If you’re unable to speak safely, you can log onto thehotline.org or text LOVEIS to 1-866-331-9474. You are not alone.”
As TMZ reports, the mom of one is also working on herself as well. As their source revealed, she has “been undergoing successful treatment for alcohol abuse issues” and is now working on her own “healing, sobriety, and recovery.”
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