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Disturbing news out of Hollywood today, as multiple media outlets have now confirmed that actress Hayden Panettiere appears to have reconciled with Brian Hickerson, the man who has been accused of repeatedly assautling her.

Hickerson was arrested on domestic violence charges back in May after neighbors alerted police to what sounded like a violent altercation inside Hayden’s home.

Hayden Panettiere Smiles
(Getty)

To the chagrin of her family and friends, Panettiere continued dating Hickerson throughout his trial.

In September, Hickerson was cleared of all charges, largely because Hayden refused to testify against him in court.

“The case against Brian Hickerson was dismissed without prejudice [Thursday,]” Los Angeles County District Attorney’s Office spokesman Greg Risling told Page Six in a statement at the time.

“Our office was unable to proceed because we could not secure a material witness. The protective order also was dismissed.”

Hayden Panettiere Nashville Benefit African Childrens Choir
(Rick Diamond/Getty Images)

Despite that disappointing turn of events, there was cause to be hopeful, as Panettiere broke up with her allegedly abusive boyfriend shortly after the trial.

Loved ones were concerned by the fact that she soon began dating Hickerson’s brother, but they were relieved that she was no longer involved with her violent ex.

Unfortunately, the separation was short-lived, and In Touch Weekly has now confirmed that Brian and Hayden are back together.

And not surprisingly, it seems the decision to reunite with her ex is having a negative impact on the other relationships in Hayden’s life, and no one has been affected more profoundly than her 4-year-old daughter, Kaya.

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Kaya currently lives in Ukraine with her father, former professional boxer Wladimir Klitschko.

A source tells In Touch that Klitschko is “at his wits end” and is stunned by Hayden’s decision to get back together with Brian.

As a result, he’s made it clear that to his ex that he will be forced to limit her visitation rights in order to protect Kaya.

“Wladimir has been as understanding as he can be through all of this, but he’s basically at his wits end. He’s believes that nobody can do anything or make decisions for Hayden,” an insider tells the tabloid.

“She’s going to have to figure out her own life.”

Hayden is said to be heartbroken, but she has not yet taken steps to contest the decision.

“In the meantime there’s also no plan for her to see Kaya even on a part-time basis,” says the source.

“They plan on visits with each other, but definitely without Brian. Wlad has met Brian briefly once and wants Kaya to have nothing to do with him. Kaya is still staying with her father for the near future.”

The insider adds that in recent months, Hayden’s interactions with her daughter have been limited to FaceTime calls.

We’ll have further updates on this developing story as more information becomes available.