Hayden Panettiere’s ex-boyfriend Brian Hickerson has apparently reconnected with her weeks after his release from prison for domestic abuse, although he says they are not back together.

Hickerson, 32, said he met the actress, 31, in a West Hollywood restaurant on Saturday, nearly two months after regaining his freedom.

The former couple arrived together at Justin Queso’s in Los Angeles on July 17, according to a source who spoke to Us Weekly. They got together again a few days later to watch the NBA finals at a pub.

Hayden and Brian were also seen together with pals at a restaurant in West Hollywood, Calif., according to an eyewitness. According to the eyewitness, they seemed to be drinking beers before line dancing together.

“To clarify, I was enjoying a Miller ‘Latte’ [slang for Miller Lite], and Hayden was not drinking,” Brian told E! News. “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 continues, “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.”

Hickerson was arrested for reportedly striking Panettiere ‘with a closed fist on the right side of her face’ during an altercation on Valentine’s Day 2020.

‘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,’ Panettiere, 31, later said in a statement.

‘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.’

Her attorney Alan Jackson said in a statement: ‘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. As a survivor, she recognizes that her arduous journey of healing has just begun.’

Panettiere is focused on her bond with her 6-year-old daughter, Kaya, whom she has with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko, as well as her sobriety and recovering from her turbulent relationship with Hickerson, according to a person close to her.

“Hayden is open to forgiving Brian and starting a new chapter, despite her loved ones’ concerns,” the source said. “Hayden has a huge heart and wants to see the best in everyone.”

The South Carolina native was sentenced to 45 days in county prison earlier this year. As part of his plea deal, he was given credit for 12 days. Hickerson would be placed on four-year probation following his time in jail, according to the April judgement, which was the result of a May 2019 domestic violence charge. He was also required to pay $500 in costs, was prohibited from purchasing or possessing weapons, and was had to undergo domestic violence programs. He must also appear in court in October 2022 so that the judge can verify that he has completed the required lessons.

Hickerson was arrested in July on numerous felony charges, including four counts of corporal injuries to a spouse or cohabitant, two counts of assault with a dangerous weapon, and one count of intimidating a witness, as well as a misdemeanor charge of abuse on a spouse or cohabitant.

A representative for the Los Angeles District Attorney’s Office told People that Panettiere’s five-year restraining order against Hickerson “does not prohibit the defendant and the victim from amicably interacting with each other.”