BACK WITH HER ABUSER?
Danger ahead: Sources tell Star Hayden Panettiere has been hanging out with troubled ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson — and it’s got family and friends worried for her well-being. Their fears are not unwarranted. The aspiring actor, 32, served 13 days behind bars in May following multiple arrests for domestic violence against the 32-year-old Nashville actress and mom to Kaya, 7. “Brian claims that he’s a changed man, that he’s learned so much about anger management and controlling his drinking, but the truth is that he is toxic for her. They are toxic together,” says a source. “Hayden is really trying to maintain her sobriety and get her acting career going again. She is doing so much better now. The last thing she needs is to let Brian worm his way back into her life.” ★