Solange Knowles Honors Hayden Panettiere; Brian Hickerson Issues Cold Statement
Tributes continue to pour in for Hayden Panettiere following her sudden death at 36. Most people have spoken of the actor lovingly, while acknowledging her turbulent and difficult life path. Two very different reactions from people in her orbit have caught public attention this week: one was a heartfelt, deeply personal tribute from her former co-star, Solange Knowles. The other was a brief, lawyer-issued statement from her longtime on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, that never mentioned grief. They stand in stark contrast to each other.
Solange Knowles Pays Emotional Tribute
Solange Knowles isn’t known for keeping up with social media, but she returned to the platforms this week to share her thoughts and feelings on Hayden Panettiere’s death. Knowles and Panettiere worked together on the 2006 film, Bring It On: All or Nothing. The film, a hit by any measure, remains a cult classic to fans, and it apparently left a lasting impression on Knowles, too.
In her heartfelt tribute, Knowles reflected on the parallels between her and Panettiere’s lives after insisting Panettiere deserved to rest in peace. She praised Panettiere for courageously living her “radical truth” and publicly sharing her story. Knowles went on to salute Panettiere’s journey and honor the work the two created together. She characterizd them as just two young girls trying to keep looking toward the light. Panettiere was 17 when the film premiered; Knowles was 20. The tribute was kind, honest, and emotional.
Solange Knowles’ tribute was one of dozens of tributes to the fallen star. Several co-stars and friends spoke out in the wake of her death. Still, the timing of Knowles’ update, against Brian Hickerson’s cold and very legal statement through a lawyer, has everyone talking.
Brian Hickerson’s Attorney Issues Brief, Guarded Statement
In sharp contrast to Solange Knowles’ emotional tribute stands the statement from Hayden Panettiere’s on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson. Hickerson, who was present at the scene when she died, remained silent for four days before releasing a short statement through his attorney, Sloan Ellis.
The statement, given to TMZ, opened with a reminder that Panettiere’s death remained under investigation. It noted that police had “confirmed” there was no foul play, and it closed with assurance that this would be the only statement issued by Hickerson at this time. The statement did not express grief, sadness, or sorrow over the 36-year-old’s unexpected death.
The legal tone of the statement stood out to many observers, especially given the complicated history between Hickerson and Panettiere, and Hickerson’s connection to the scene of the death. While Panettiere never confirmed her relationship with Hickerson was back on, it appears they were rekindling their romance when she died. They had traveled together from Los Angeles to South Carolina the day before her death. Both Hickerson and his brother, Zach, were present at the apartment where she died. His brother is the one who called 911 when he found Panettiere unresponsive.
Hickerson’s choice of an attorney is raising some eyebrows, too. Sloan Ellis reportedly has professional connections to federal law enforcement agencies, including the DEA and FBI. The DEA is assisting the Greenville Police Department in the investigation.
This is a developing story. Charges have not been filed. Police have not backtracked on their early statement that foul play was not suspected. A cause of death for Panettiere has not been released, though a drug overdose is suspected.
