WHY HAYDEN FORGAVE BRIAN

Are they or aren’t they? Fans were shocked by photos f Hayden Panettiere back with her ex Brian Hickerson in L.A. March 22 (left). After all, last April, the 32-year-old was sentenced to 45 days in jail after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse/cohabitant/ girlfriend/child’s parent after allegedly punching Hayden in the face. In addition, he was sentenced to four years of probation, 52 domestic violence classes, a $500 fine and a five-year protective order. Hayden, sources tell Star, is willing to believe her ex has changed. “She’s decided to fully forgive him,” notes an insider. “For her, he’s done the brave thing by owning up to his mistakes.” But friends worry the Nashville alum, 32, is taking an “us against the world” attitude when it comes to her ex — and ignoring red flags. “She’s telling people to butt out,” says the insider. “And Brian’s riding that wave with a big smile on his face.” ★