A newly surfaced photo has shed more light on one of Brian Hickerson’s 2025 arrests, showing Hayden Panettiere’s boyfriend sitting barefoot under a restaurant table shortly before Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies took him into custody. According to TMZ, the image was taken on August 2, 2025, at Barney’s Beanery in West Hollywood.
The photograph shows Hickerson on the floor beneath a table with his shoes removed while a deputy stands nearby. TMZ’s sources said he appeared to be under the influence and was behaving erratically inside the restaurant, where staff allegedly became concerned about his conduct.
The new image comes as renewed attention surrounds Hickerson following Hayden Panettiere’s death on August 16, 2026, which remains under investigation. Authorities have not publicly established that Hickerson played a role in her death, and speculation about the circumstances should not be treated as fact.
What Happened at Barney’s Beanery?
According to TMZ’s report, Hickerson allegedly broke a drinking glass and later threw one of his shoes toward another person inside the restaurant. Staff reportedly attempted to remove him, but he allegedly refused to leave, prompting employees to contact police.
Deputies eventually removed Hickerson from the establishment and arrested him outside. Prosecutors later declined to file charges stemming from that incident, citing insufficient evidence, according to TMZ.
Hickerson was arrested again four days later, on August 6, 2025, on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance. PEOPLE reported that the case was handled through judicial diversion, which required him to complete 10 Narcotics Anonymous sessions and avoid drugs and alcohol. After he provided proof that he completed the program, the misdemeanor charge was dismissed in January 2026.
The restaurant’s owner also told TMZ that Hickerson was not permanently banned from Barney’s Beanery and remained permitted to return.
The photograph has now resurfaced amid intense public interest in Hickerson’s history and his relationship with Panettiere. PEOPLE has separately reported that prosecutors recently cited his 2025 arrests and alleged drug use while opposing his attempt to expunge his earlier domestic violence convictions involving the actress.
