Onward and upward?
Hayden Panettiere was photographed holding hands with the brother of her allegedly abusive ex-boyfriend, Brian Hickerson.
The “Nashville” alum, 30, looked happy as she walked hand-in-hand with Zach Hickerson in New York City, though a source told People that they’re just friends and have been for a while. The source also confirmed that Panettiere and Brian broke up.
The sighting comes after Panettiere received a protective order against Brian in May after he allegedly attacked her at their home. LAPD arrested him and he pleaded not guilty to one count of domestic violence.
Panettiere and Brian began dating over the summer following her split from Wladimir Klitschko. The actress shares 4-year-old daughter Kaya with Klitschko.
Kaya lives in Ukraine with her father.