Hayden Panettiere has reunited with her ex Brian Hickerson a few weeks after serving his domestic violence jail sentence.
The duo spent time together with friends at a West Hollywood, Calif., restaurant over the weekend, E! News reported on July 21. Brian actually confirmed the meetup.
"To clarify, I was enjoying a Miller 'Latte' [slang for Miller Lite], and Hayden was not drinking," he said. "We went to a new restaurant that is Texas-based, and being a Southern guy, I'm a big fan of country music. So yes, there was some line dancing involved. Hayden and I are not back together but are working on a friendship."
He added, "We have a long history together, and the first step in my recovery as an abuser is making amends. That's exactly what Hayden has been gracious enough to allow me to do."
Hayden and Brian's romance hasn't exactly been a fairy tale, as he's been accused of domestic violence on several occasions. In 2020, she even applied for a restraining order against him.
In May 2021, he began a 45-day jail sentence after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend.
A source told E! that Hayden wants her relationship with Brian to heal.
"Hayden is open to forgiving Brian and starting a new chapter, despite her loved ones concerns," an insider said. "Hayden has a huge heart and wants to see the best in everyone."
Following Brian's arrest last year, Hayden tweeted, "I am coming forward with the truth about what happened to me with the hope that my story will empower others in abusive relationships to get the help they need and deserve. I am prepared to do my part to make sure this man never hurts anyone again. I'm grateful for my support system, which helped me find the courage to regain my voice and my life."