Hayden Panettiere’s father is facing misdemeanor battery chargers after getting in a drunken fight with his wife in August. The incident was described as a “misunderstanding.” Just like the second season of Heroes. ZING! The Associated Press reports:

Alan Panettiere faces up to a year in a Los Angeles County jail if convicted. He was arrested on Aug. 11 on suspicion of striking his wife, Lesley.
At the time, a sheriff’s spokesman said Panettiere was accused of hitting his wife three times with an open hand.

Oh, wow, so you can get arrested for battling your wife even if you’re both shit-faced and don’t want to press charges? Damn. I guess I better take back these baseball bats and bottles of whiskey I got my folks for Christmas. Red Lobster gift cards it is - and okay, throwing knives. I spoil those two; I know.

Hayden Panettiere spoke publicly for the first time about her dad’s arrest for spousal abuse and put the blame on the arresting officers. Her father was arrested after getting in a drunken brawl with his wife who was also sloshed. Extra reports:

“It [the incident] was blown way out of proportion by a sheriff who wanted his fifteen minutes of fame,” the “Heroes” starlet tells “Extra.” “My family is wonderful — so very happy. We’re all great.”

Jesus. Talk about laying it on thick. Hayden Panettiere might as well have said “My mom fell down the stairs.” Then winked at the camera.

Within hours of Hayden Panettiere’s father Alan posting bail yesterday for assaulting his wife Lesley (FYI, they were both effing hammered), the two went for a public walk together as a sign of solidarity to show their love is as strong as ever.

ALAN: I blame whoever thought it’d be a great idea to have an open bar.
LESLEY: Dear, that was your idea.
ALAN: Works every time.
LESLEY: What works every time?
ALAN: I dunno.
LESLEY: You put vodka in this Frappucino bottle didn’t you?
ALAN: Yup.
LESLEY: God, I love you.
ALAN: What was that? I threw up on the dog.