Hayden Panettiere caught fans’ attention when she was spotted using crutches at the Los Angeles International Airport. She was filmed wearing tie-dye loungewear and a cap while walking from the airport to a car waiting for her, and she was joined by her on-again, off-again boyfriend Brian Hickerson. But why the crutches? Panettiere’s rep has made a statement addressing any concern fans may have about her health.
Hayden Panettiere’s Rep Speaks Out About Her Health
Panettiere told paparazzi that she was suffering from “some pinched nerves in my lower back” but that she was “on the mend,” TMZ reports.
“Hayden has been privately managing a temporary nerve condition, which is the reason she was seen using crutches. She is recovering well and is on the mend,” a rep for Panettiere told Us Weekly. The rep also revealed that Panettiere had been attending a fan convention for “Scream.” They said she “had a wonderful time connecting with fans.” She plays the role of Kirby Reed.
Hayden Panettiere’s Relationship with Brian Hickerson
GettyTMZ also commented on Panettiere’s relationship status with Hickerson, revealing that sources say they are “just friends.”
The actress and Hickerson have a turbulent relationship history, including multiple domestic violence incidents, starting in 2019. That year, she got a protective order, but later dropped the charges, Daily Mail reports. In 2021, Hickerson spent 13 days in prison because of the injuries he caused Panettiere. Despite this, they have been seen in public several times since November 2022, the publication states.
Addressing speculation about Panettiere’s relationship with Hickerson, her rep issued a statement to Us Weekly. “Regarding recent speculation, Hayden is not in a romantic relationship with Brian Hickerson — the two remain friends,” the statement read.
Panettiere has faced many struggles in recent years, and dealing with them in public has been incredibly challenging. In an interview with Us Weekly about her memoir “This Is Me: A Reckoning,” which will be available in May 2026, she said, “Going through challenges is daunting enough in the spotlight where everyone feels entitled to the details of your life, but those challenges I’ve faced have made me stronger. Every moment of our life and every person we meet along the way is a lesson.”
The actress also teased her memoir in an Instagram post on January 22, and fans have expressed excitement. “I love memoirs. This one is definitely going to be at the top of my list to be read this year,” a comment reads. “So proud of you queen,” “Jersey Shore” alum Nicole “Snooki” Polizzi wrote.
