“He was pressuring her”: Sources claim Hayden Panettiere’s ex-convict boyfriend demanded to have a baby to cement relationship before her death
Friends were worried as actress considered whether she could face another pregnancy after severe postpartum depression
In the months before Hayden Panettiere ’s sudden death, the actress was allegedly facing pressure from boyfriend Brian Hickerson to have another child, despite her previous struggle with severe postpartum depression after becoming a mother.
Sources cited by Hollywood insider Rob Shuter claim Hickerson , 37, was actively pushing the idea of starting a family with Panettiere, rather than casually discussing it as a distant possibility.
“Brian wasn’t casually talking about someday becoming a father, he was pushing Hayden to have a baby with him,” one source claimed.
“She understood exactly what another pregnancy could potentially mean for her emotionally, and she wasn’t convinced it was something she wanted to risk.”
Friends worried about another pregnancy
Those close to the couple allegedly had concerns that went beyond Panettiere ’s health history. One insider claimed Hickerson ’s financial situation also caused unease among friends.
“Brian was struggling financially, so people absolutely questioned his motives,” the source said. “A baby wouldn’t just make them parents, it would connect him to Hayden for the rest of his life. That raised alarm bells.”
Another source said Panettiere viewed the decision through the lens of what she had already endured after the birth of her daughter, Kaya, whom she shares with former fiance Wladimir Klitschko .
“Hayden knew how badly things had gone after Kaya,” the insider said. “She had lived through postpartum depression, addiction, and the heartbreak of being separated from her daughter. Brian wanted a baby.
“Hayden understood the possible consequences. That was the tension between them.”
Panettiere had spoken publicly about the emotional toll of being separated from Kaya , who has lived with Klitschko in Ukraine since 2018.
Panettiere was planning to visit Kaya
The actress’ relationship with her daughter remained central to her life before her death, according to close friend and hairstylist Erick Orellana .
“She was talking about how she wanted to take a vacation, and that she wanted to go and see her daughter,” Orellana said. “Her daughter was always her absolute priority. She loved her so much.”
He added: “Her daughter was the absolute light of her life. She lit up when she spoke about her. Everything she did revolved around her.”
Panettiere , 36, was found unresponsive in Greenville, South Carolina, on August 16 after emergency responders were called to a report of a woman in cardiac arrest.
Her cause and manner of death hadn't been publicly determined in the material provided. That distinction remains important as new allegations about the actress’ private life continue to surface.
