For months, there have been increasing demands for skincare brand Neutrogena to confront an accusation made by Hayden Panettiere in May. These calls grew louder following the actor’s recent passing. Neutrogena has now issued a statement on Instagram in response.
In their Instagram post, which does not permit comments, Neutrogena addressed the end of their long-term collaboration with Panettiere without delving into specifics. They acknowledged making her feel unsupported during a challenging period and stated that such behavior does not align with their values.
Panettiere, known for her roles in various TV shows and films, served as a global brand ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015. Following her public discussion of postpartum depression in 2015, her partnership with the brand came to an end under contentious circumstances.
During a podcast interview with Jay Shetty earlier this year, Panettiere alleged that Neutrogena attempted to terminate her contract due to her remarks on postpartum depression. She emphasized the stigma surrounding the condition and the lack of support for women facing it.
In the aftermath of Panettiere’s death, fans resumed their criticism of Neutrogena. They flooded the company’s Instagram and Threads accounts, urging them to address the situation publicly. Some users highlighted the brand’s treatment of Panettiere and demanded accountability.
Neutrogena expressed deep sorrow over Panettiere’s passing in their Instagram post, recognizing her as a cherished member of their community. They refrained from immediate responses out of respect for the actor’s family. The brand commended Panettiere’s bravery in speaking out and pledged to support initiatives aiding women dealing with postpartum depression.
Neutrogena vowed to make a substantial investment in a community health partner to enhance support services for women, including those affected by postpartum depression. Further details on their initiatives will be shared once they are operational.
