Hayden Panettiere's ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson says they broke up for good

BACKGROUND GRID

Hayden Panettiere is making all kinds of big changes in her life: in addition to opening up about her addiction issues, she's also ended a very toxic and abusive relationship with Brian Hickerson.

Her now ex-boyfriend was out in L.A. on Wednesday when a photographer asked her about Hayden's 'GMA' interview... where she said she was addicted to opioids and alcohol for years. Hickerson saw the segment and said he was happy for her.

When asked if they were okay, he said..."Just friends."

ABC

Hayden and Brian had been dating since 2018, and they broke up before. Remember he has been arrested multiple times for domestic violence incidents involving Hayden and is currently on probation until 2025.

But, Hickerson says this time, they broke up for good. As he said, "I look forward to new chapters"...but he's still very supportive of his ex-girlfriend and his career.

03/24/22 TMZ.com

He was also asked about the West Hollywood street brawl he and Hayden got into earlier this year. Hickerson says he embarked on a treatment program after that incident - and apparently he and Hayden decided to quit at some point after that.