Hayden Panettiere’s Loved Ones Fear Her BF Has a Drinking Problem and ‘Loses Control’

Will she call it quits? Hayden Panettiere’s loved ones fear that her boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, has a drinking problem that he can’t control, a source tells In Touch exclusively. Those closest to her say that Brian becomes a “different person” when he consumes alcohol and it’s a cause for concern.

Brian is currently in some serious trouble following his recent arrest for domestic violence. As we previously reported, Hayden, 29, was apparently out drinking with her boyfriend in Hollywood on Wednesday, May 1, and when they got back home, they allegedly got into a heated argument that turned physical. Brian was eventually whisked away in cuffs at 2:25 a.m. and put into custody by the Los Angeles Police Department on May 2, before being booked into jail at 6:15 a.m.

So, how do Hayden’s loved ones feel about this drama taking place after a night of drinking? “He becomes a different person,” the insider tells In Touch exclusively. “Knowing that you lose control, one would take proper steps and not get into those situations.” The source close to the Nashville actress added, “Everyone is aware of what he is capable of. The hope is that he does jail time.”

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Most recently, Brian reportedly pleaded not guilty to the charges while making an appearance at a Los Angeles courthouse on Thursday, May 23. A judge granted a prosecutor-requested protective order, which states that he cannot come within 100 yards of Hayden or contact her by any means.

Hayden and Brian have reportedly been dating since the summer of 2018. Even though fans thought they would part ways after his arrest, the pair was spotted holding hands while grabbing coffee in L.A. only two weeks after the incident, but her friends are still hoping she’ll walk away.

“They’re a lot a like, but it’s very obvious that they’re not good for each other,” another insider previously told In Touch exclusively. “Thank God the cops came to her rescue this time, but she needs to leave Brian and get sober before something really bad happens.”