Brian Hickerson Was Accused of Being High Days Before Hayden’s Death

Brian Hickerson was accused of appearing to be under the influence of drugs just three days before the death of his on-and-off girlfriend, Hayden Panettiere.

The allegation came up during an August 13 court hearing in Los Angeles, where prosecutors opposed Hickerson’s request to have his 2021 felony domestic violence convictions involving Panettiere expunged, according to People.

During the hearing, a prosecutor reportedly pointed to a recent interview Hickerson gave to TMZ and argued that he appeared to be “visibly high.” The prosecutor also questioned whether Hickerson had actually maintained sobriety as he claimed.

Hickerson had sought to have the convictions removed after completing requirements associated with his sentence. However, prosecutors cited additional legal trouble involving drugs, including two arrests in August 2025. One of those arrests involved an allegation that he was under the influence of a controlled substance.

The judge ultimately denied Hickerson’s petition.

Just three days later, Panettiere died at age 36 in South Carolina. Authorities have said there were no signs of foul play or trauma, while the investigation into her death remains ongoing.

The timing of the hearing has drawn renewed attention because Hickerson and Panettiere had reportedly traveled to South Carolina shortly afterward.

Their relationship had been complicated for years. Hickerson previously pleaded no contest to two felony counts related to domestic violence involving Panettiere and served time in jail.

Despite their history, the pair had reconnected.

The latest court revelations do not establish a connection between Hickerson’s alleged drug use and Panettiere’s death. Her official cause and manner of death have not yet been released.