Hickerson Accuses Police of Leaking News of Panettiere's Death During Bar Fight

Key points

• On September 12 at 9:10 p.m., police responded to a report of an assault at Wild Wing Cafe on Woodruff Road in Greenville, South Carolina.
• Officers detained multiple individuals, including Brian Hickerson and his brother Zachary Hickerson, following the altercation.
• Zachary Hickerson was taken into custody for disorderly conduct after being described as highly intoxicated and yelling profanities in a public setting; he was transported to the Greenville County Detention Center.
• Brian Hickerson was released from the scene and was not charged with any offenses.
• Video footage circulated online shows Hickerson, appearing bloody and handcuffed, telling his brother that the Greenville Police Department 'leaked it when my girlfriend died.'
• Another video obtained by TMZ shows Hickerson throwing a bar stool before being carried out of the establishment.

Background

This incident follows the August 16 death of Hayden Panettiere in Greenville, South Carolina, which has been under investigation by local police and the DEA. Previous coverage noted that Hickerson and his brother were present at the scene of her death and that Hickerson had a history of domestic violence charges with Panettiere, including a 2021 conviction. Panettiere's representatives had previously condemned public speculation about her death, stating that those closest to her were cooperating with investigators to ensure the truth emerges.

How outlets are covering it

Fox Carolina News and Fox News Digital reported the core facts of the bar altercation, confirming the detention of Zachary Hickerson for disorderly conduct and the release of Brian Hickerson without charges. The Independent highlighted the specific claim made by Hickerson in video footage, emphasizing his accusation that police leaked information about Panettiere's death. While all sources agree on the timeline and the lack of charges against Hickerson, The Independent focused on the narrative of the leak accusation, whereas Fox outlets emphasized the disorderly conduct charge against the brother and the ongoing investigation into Panettiere's death. No source contradicted the police statement regarding the release of Hickerson, but the Independent's framing centered on the controversy surrounding the alleged leak, a detail not emphasized in the Fox reports.

Why it matters

The incident adds a layer of public controversy to the ongoing investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death, highlighting tensions between Hickerson and law enforcement. The accusation that police leaked information about her death could impact public perception of the investigation's integrity and may influence the narrative surrounding the cause of death, which remains under review despite preliminary autopsy findings showing no trauma.

What to watch

The Greenville Police Department and the DEA will continue their investigation into Hayden Panettiere's death. There is no indication that Brian Hickerson will face charges related to the bar altercation, as he was released without charges. The public may see further developments as the investigation progresses, potentially including more detailed findings from the coroner or law enforcement. The outcome of the investigation into Panettiere's death remains uncertain, with representatives suggesting that more information may emerge as those closest to her cooperate with authorities.