For months, there have been increasing calls for skincare brand Neutrogena to address an accusation made by Hayden Panettiere in May. The demands intensified following the actor’s recent passing. Neutrogena has now issued a statement on Instagram, although comments on the post are disabled.
The brand’s post did not delve into the specifics of why their long-standing collaboration with Panettiere was terminated or address the claim that it was linked to her discussion about postpartum depression. Neutrogena acknowledged that they may have failed to provide adequate support to Panettiere during a challenging period and stated that such behavior does not align with their values.
Panettiere, known for her roles in various TV series and movies, served as a global ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015. After openly discussing her postpartum depression struggles on a talk show in 2015, her partnership with the brand ended abruptly. During a recent podcast interview, Panettiere alleged that Neutrogena had attempted to terminate her due to her comments about postpartum depression, citing a morality clause in her contract.
Despite the incident in 2015, Panettiere claimed that she never received any communication from Neutrogena afterward. She highlighted the societal stigma surrounding postpartum depression and expressed her disappointment in how it is perceived.
Following the news of Panettiere’s death, fans initiated a renewed backlash against Neutrogena. They flooded the company’s social media accounts, urging them to address the allegations publicly. Neutrogena’s response on Instagram expressed deep sorrow over Panettiere’s passing, praised her for speaking out courageously, and announced plans for a significant investment in supporting women dealing with postpartum depression. Further details on these initiatives are expected to be shared in the future.