Brian Hickerson's reaction after being banned from the tribute to his ex, Hayden Panettiere, in Malibu
The actress' former partner and his brother Zach are reportedly respecting the decision to leave them off the guest list as her loved ones gather to remember her
B rian Hickerson is reportedly accepting the decision to leave him off the guest list for Hayden Panettiere 's private celebration of life in Malibu, California.
The actress, who was 36, died on August 16 in Greenville, South Carolina, and her family, friends and former colleagues gathered Saturday, September 19, for a private memorial service.
Around 150 people were expected to attend the gathering, according to TMZ, with the coastal location reportedly chosen in part because Panettiere loved the ocean and whales.
Hickerson , who had an on-and-off relationship with Panettiere , was reportedly not invited to the event. His brother, Zach Hickerson , was also left off the guest list.
Sources close to the brothers told TMZ that neither is challenging the decision, saying they understand the sensitivity surrounding a gathering intended to honor Panettiere .
According to reports, the brothers instead hope the memorial will be a "beautiful celebration of [Hayden], her life and her legacy."
The reported response comes as Hickerson continues to deal with the actress' death away from the private service. Sources have claimed that he has struggled to return to a "sense of normalcy" since Panettiere died and has lost about 40 pounds.
He has also reportedly experienced moments when he expects to receive a call from her, leaving him feeling as though the circumstances could somehow be a "horrible dream."
Hickerson has not personally issued a detailed statement about the memorial decision. His reported response has instead come through people close to him and Zach .
Why Brian Hickerson was not expected at the Malibu memorial
The decision comes against the backdrop of a complicated relationship between Hickerson and Panettiere .
The pair had an on-and-off relationship, and Hickerson's history with the actress has been publicly documented, including domestic-abuse allegations and his 2021 legal case. Panettiere discussed the relationship and its difficult periods in her memoir.
His absence from the memorial was not unique. Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel , was also reportedly not invited to the Malibu gathering, while her father, Skip Panettiere , was expected to attend.
TMZ reported that the guest list was focused on family members, close friends, former colleagues and other people close to the actress.
Hickerson and Zach have also continued to deny having any involvement in Panettiere's death. Hickerson was present at the South Carolina residence when she was found unresponsive, according to a police report obtained by CBS News and other outlets.
The report said Hickerson and Zach made the 911 call. Authorities have not accused Hickerson of causing her death.
Panettiere's cause of death has not been officially confirmed. Her representative has emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing, while reports have cited law-enforcement sources who believe a drug may have been involved.
Toxicology results remain an important part of establishing the official circumstances surrounding her death.
Hickerson recently offered a brief public response when approached by a photographer at a gas station in South Carolina. When asked how he was coping with Panettiere's death, he replied, "How do you think I’m doing?" After being offered condolences, he added, "Appreciate it. That's all I got for you, man."
That brief exchange remains one of Hickerson's few public comments since Panettiere's death. His reported decision to respect the memorial organizers' wishes means he will not be among those attending the Malibu gathering, but sources say he and Zach nevertheless hope the occasion remains focused on remembering Panettiere and celebrating her life.
