Add Page Six on Google Brian Hickerson spit at cops when he was arrested one year before his ex Hayden Panettiere’s death.
In a video from the August 2025 incident shared by TMZ on Friday, multiple police officers got a barefoot Hickerson out from underneath a table at Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood, California.
After he was put into handcuffs, Hickerson motioned towards one of the officers, spit in their direction and stumbled.
Page Six has reached out to Hickerson’s rep for contact.
The former actor — who was seemingly under the influence — was taken into custody last year over his erratic behavior in the pub, according to TMZ.
Sources told the outlet he broke a glass at the bar and threw a shoe at a fellow patron.
After an employee was unsuccessful in removing him from the establishment, cops were called — though they also had a tough time getting him out.
Hickerson hid under a table barefoot moments before he was arrested, as seen in a photo from the incident.
Despite the ruckus, Hickerson was not banned from the bar, and prosecutors couldn’t file charges due to insufficient evidence, the owner told TMZ.
Later that week, Hickerson was arrested for allegedly being under the influence of a controlled substance — but that case was dismissed after he entered a diversion program and completed 10 Narcotics Anonymous meetings.
Hickerson’s rap sheet doesn’t stop there, as he was also arrested multiple times over alleged instances of domestic violence during his years-long on-again, off-again romance with Panettiere.
He pleaded no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend in 2021 and was sentenced to 45 days in county jail and four years of probation.
Additionally, he was ordered to complete 52 domestic violence classes, and Panettiere was granted a five-year restraining order.
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Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were with the “Heroes” actress when she died after an “overdose” in South Carolina on Aug. 16 at age 36.
According to the police report obtained by Page Six, Hickerson gave police a “bag of medication” that Panettiere was taking after she was declared dead on the scene.
Panettiere’s estranged mom, Lesley Vogel, has since spoken out against Brian, doubting his alleged story about the timeline of the day she died.
However, Hickerson’s lawyer noted that “police confirmed there were no signs of foul play” in Panettiere’s death.
“Hayden’s death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed,” his attorney told Page Six on Aug. 20.
“Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones and the ongoing investigation, there will be no further comment at this time.”
If you or someone you know is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text START to 88788.
If you or someone you care about is affected by any of the issues raised in this story, call SAMHSA’s National Helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357).
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