Hayden Panettiere is speaking out about her boyfriend’s alleged domestic violence against the “Nashville” star.
“We are hopeful that the judge makes the right decision,” the family told People in a statement. “It’s an important message in terms of domestic violence for all women.”
Brian Hickerson appeared in a Los Angeles court this week where a judge ruled that there was enough evidence for prosecutors to move forward with a felony domestic violence charge. His lawyer asked the judge to dismiss the charge, alleging that Panettiere, 29, was also to blame, but the judge declined.
Page Six previously reported that LAPD arrested Hickerson after a night of drinking with Panettiere. They returned to their home — where the alleged attack occurred — in the early morning hours. Police saw redness and marks on Panettiere’s body when they arrived and took Hickerson into custody.
Hickerson was later ordered to stay 100 yards away from the actress after he pleaded not guilty to one count of felony domestic violence.
The couple began dating last summer following her split from Wladimir Klitschko, with whom she shares a 4-year-old daughter, Kaya.