Brian Hickerson Detained After South Carolina Bar Altercation

Brian Hickerson, the former boyfriend of late actress Hayden Panettiere, was briefly detained by police after an altercation at a South Carolina bar Saturday night.

The incident happened Sept. 12 at Wild Wing Cafe in Greenville, where police responded to a report of an alleged assault. Hickerson and his brother, Zach Hickerson, were among several people involved in the confrontation, according to the Greenville Police Department and reports from multiple outlets.

Brian was handcuffed during the incident but was ultimately released without being charged. His brother, meanwhile, was arrested on a disorderly conduct charge after police said he was highly intoxicated and began yelling profanities.

The confrontation comes less than a month after Panettiere’s death, which remains under investigation.

What happened at the Greenville bar?

According to reporting from TMZ, Brian and Zach had been drinking at the Greenville restaurant for several hours before the situation escalated.

Sources told the outlet that Brian eventually went to the bar and began talking with other patrons. A confrontation followed, and Brian allegedly picked up a bar stool and threw it backward.

Video obtained by TMZ appears to show a man identified as Brian being lifted from behind during the argument. He is then carried toward the exit as a bartender can be heard telling someone to let him go.

Police were called to the restaurant at about 9:10 p.m. after receiving a report of an assault.

Officers found Brian, Zach and other patrons involved in an altercation. Both brothers were detained while police investigated what had happened.

Brian was eventually released and did not face charges in connection with the incident.

Zach’s situation was different. Police said he was highly intoxicated and became verbally aggressive, repeatedly yelling profanities. He was taken into custody and transported to the Greenville County Detention Center on a disorderly conduct charge.

Brian Hickerson mentions Hayden Panettiere while handcuffed

The incident drew additional attention because of what Brian said while he was being detained.

A video circulating online shows Hickerson sitting on the ground with his hands cuffed behind him. During the encounter, he referenced Panettiere’s death and accused the Greenville Police Department of leaking information.

“GPD leaked it when my girlfriend died,” he shouted, according to video reported by PEOPLE, Entertainment Weekly and Page Six.

It is important to distinguish Hickerson’s allegation from established facts. There is no indication in the reporting that police confirmed his accusation, and the Greenville Police Department had not immediately provided a public response to PEOPLE’s request for comment.

Brian was later released without charges. His attorney also had not immediately responded to requests for comment from media outlets.

Why Brian Hickerson’s detention is drawing attention

The bar incident comes at a particularly sensitive time because Hickerson was with Panettiere when she died in Greenville on Aug. 16.

Panettiere, known for roles in Heroes and Nashville, was 36. Authorities found her unresponsive at a Greenville residence, where she had been staying with Hickerson.

According to a police report obtained by CBS News, Brian and Zach Hickerson were at the residence when emergency responders arrived. Zach made the 911 call, while Brian reportedly showed officers a bag containing medication Panettiere had been taking.

Panettiere was pronounced dead at the scene after emergency personnel attempted life-saving measures.

Authorities have not released an official cause or manner of death. The Greenville Police Department previously said the preliminary investigation had not indicated signs of foul play or suspicious circumstances, while the coroner’s office was waiting for toxicology results.

Panettiere’s death investigation remains open

The circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death have continued to receive attention from law enforcement.

Recent reports have said the Drug Enforcement Administration became involved in the investigation. TMZ reported earlier this month that Hickerson had spoken with federal investigators.

Authorities have not publicly identified Hickerson as a suspect in Panettiere’s death.

Investigators are still awaiting toxicology results, which are expected to help determine what caused the actress’ death. Until those findings are released, claims about what happened to Panettiere remain unconfirmed.

That distinction is especially important as speculation continues online.

Hickerson and Panettiere had a troubled relationship

Brian Hickerson and Panettiere had an on-and-off relationship that attracted significant media attention over several years.

Panettiere previously accused Hickerson of physical and emotional abuse. Hickerson was arrested following allegations involving the actress and later pleaded no contest in 2021 to two felony counts involving injury to a spouse or girlfriend.

He was sentenced to jail time, probation and other requirements.

Despite their troubled history, the two were seen together again over the years, including after their initial relationship ended.

Their complicated relationship has become part of the public discussion surrounding Panettiere’s death, although Hickerson’s past relationship with the actress does not establish what caused her death.

No charges filed against Brian in the bar incident

For now, the most immediate legal development involving Hickerson is separate from the death investigation.

Police detained him after Saturday night’s confrontation at Wild Wing Cafe, but he was released and was not charged.

His brother Zach was arrested for disorderly conduct.

The incident also appears to have been captured on cellphone video, including footage from inside the restaurant and video of Brian being handcuffed outside.

The circumstances leading to the confrontation remain disputed, and the available footage does not by itself establish every detail of what happened before police arrived.

As for Panettiere’s death, investigators have yet to announce a final cause or manner of death.

For Panettiere’s family, friends and fans, the unanswered questions surrounding her death remain far more significant than the latest incident involving Hickerson.

Until investigators release additional findings, the circumstances of the actress’ death should be treated as an active investigation rather than a settled case.