Hayden Panettiere Opened Up About Her Brother Jansen Years After His Sudden Loss — and the Guilt She Carried

“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,” she added at the time.

At that time, her attorney, Alan Jackson, also shared a statement to ET, which read, “After suffering for years as the victim of psychological, emotional and severe physical abuse, Hayden Panettiere has begun the process of taking back her life.”

“Hayden has found the strength and courage to share the truth about her abuse and her abuser, and she intends to assist the prosecution to see that justice is served,” the statement continued. “As a survivor, she recognizes that her arduous journey of healing has just begun.”

That detail has inevitably drawn attention because of the turbulent history between Hayden and Brian. In 2021, Brian was sentenced to 45 days in county jail, four years of formal probation and other penalties after pleading no contest to two felony counts of injuring a spouse or girlfriend, according to ET.

Following Brian’s arrest, Hayden publicly addressed what she said she had experienced during their relationship, making clear that she wanted to use her story to help others facing abuse.