Hayden Panettiere's Memoir Revelations Spark Wave of Support, Leaving Her Speechless

Hayden Panettiere is rolling into book-launch week with a wave of support at her back — and she’s clearly feeling it. The actress, now 36, jumped on Instagram Stories on Thursday, May 14 to thank everyone who’s been reaching out as her memoir 'This Is Me: A Reckoning' heads to shelves on Tuesday, May 19.

She’s reading the messages (even if she can’t reply)

Panettiere says she’s been going through the DMs and comments from people who see their own experiences in her story. She can’t answer all of them, but she wanted fans to know she’s paying attention and standing with them.

'I am moved beyond words by the amount of support and encouragement I’ve received from all of you... The goal of this book has always been to share my story in my own words, but also to remind others that they are not alone. We are always stronger together.'

What the memoir actually covers

Short version: a lot. In 'This Is Me: A Reckoning,' Panettiere opens up about her life from child-star days to now — the career highs and flameouts, breakups, coming to terms with her sexuality, postpartum struggles, and the stuff she says most people don’t know about. She told Us Weekly (in their May cover story) that she was flat-out terrified to put it all on paper. The writing process was, in her words, very scary because she decided to be brutally, painfully honest — including acknowledging mistakes she made and addressing abuse she says came from people who were supposed to protect her. Her hope: if she lays it all out, someone else might find a way through their own mess.

The Brian Hickerson chapter, in plain terms

Yes, she goes there. Panettiere writes about her relationship with ex Brian Hickerson and the fallout. Here’s the quick timeline:

• 2018: They start dating.
• 2019: Hickerson is arrested after an alleged domestic violence incident involving Panettiere. He’s charged with felony domestic violence and ordered to stay away from her. Those charges are later dropped.
• 2020: He’s arrested again after another domestic violence incident with Panettiere. He serves 33 days in jail, gets four years probation, and is fined $500.
• After that second arrest, Panettiere and Hickerson split.

Why she kept it quiet at the time

Panettiere says she tried to keep that whole ordeal as private as possible because she didn’t want to drag her loved ones into something so upsetting. She wanted to protect them — and herself — emotionally. She also calls it humiliating and embarrassing, which is why she tried to let as few people know as possible.

Release date and resources

'This Is Me: A Reckoning' arrives Tuesday, May 19.

If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, confidential help is available at the National Domestic Violence Hotline: 1-800-799-7233.