Hayden Panettiere‘s ex Brian Hickerson reveals the two are still in each other’s lives after his recent release from jail.
According to an eyewitness, Hayden and Brian spent time together with friends at a restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif. per E! News. And as a result, this past weekend, Brian clarified why exactly they were out.
“To clarify, I was enjoying a Miller ‘Latte’ [slang for Miller Lite], and Hayden was not drinking,” Brian says of the outing.
“We went to a new restaurant that is Texas-based, and being a Southern guy, I’m a big fan of country music. So yes, there was some line dancing involved. Hayden and I are not back together but are working on a friendship.”
He continues, “We have a long history together, and the first step in my recovery as an abuser is making amends. That’s exactly what Hayden has been gracious enough to allow me to do.”
A source who is connected Hayden, sobriety and her relationship with her daughter are her priority — in addition to healing from her relationship with Brian. Hayden shares 6-year-old daughter Kaya with ex Wladimir Klitschko.
“Hayden is open to forgiving Brian and starting a new chapter, despite her loved ones concerns,” according to the insider. “Hayden has a huge heart and wants to see the best in everyone.”
This past May, Brian turned himself into police to begin his jail sentence. He was released later that month. He had been arrested in July 2020 stemming from charges of domestic violence and assault against the star and was sentenced to 45 days in county jail.
He received four years of formal probation and must attend 52 domestic violence classes. In addition, he was required to pay a $500 fee. He also received a five-year restraining order, according to a spokesperson for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office told E! News at the time.
And in April of 2021, Brian pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, according to the District Attorney’s Office.
Following his July 2020 arrest, Hayden tweeted how she hoped her “story will empower others in abusive relationships” and that she was ready “to regain my voice and my life.”