For months, demands have been increasing for Neutrogena, a skincare company, to address an accusation made by Hayden Panettiere back in May. These calls intensified following the recent passing of the actress. Neutrogena has now broken its silence by issuing a statement on Instagram.
In the Instagram post, where comments are disabled, Neutrogena acknowledged the end of their long-term partnership with Panettiere but refrained from delving into the specifics behind the termination. The company did not directly address the claim that the collaboration ceased due to Panettiere speaking out about postpartum depression. Instead, Neutrogena expressed regret for not providing adequate support during a challenging period, emphasizing that such behavior does not align with the brand’s values.
Panettiere, known for her roles in popular shows like Heroes and Nashville, served as a global brand ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015. The rift allegedly began after she discussed her battle with postpartum depression on Live with Kelly and Michael in 2015. Following these revelations, her partnership with Neutrogena came to an end.
During an interview with Jay Shetty on the On Purpose podcast earlier this year, Panettiere claimed that Neutrogena attempted to sever ties with her due to her comments on postpartum depression, citing a morality clause in her contract. She mentioned that despite the intervention of her representative, she sensed she would not be welcomed back the following year.
Panettiere revealed that she never received any communication from the company following the 2015 incident. Reflecting on the experience, she highlighted the misconceptions and stigma surrounding postpartum depression, emphasizing the need for a better understanding of the condition.
After Panettiere’s untimely death, fans renewed their criticism of Neutrogena. Social media platforms were flooded with demands for the company to address the situation publicly. The backlash included a boycott organized by fans and a beauty influencer incorporating the podcast audio into a video titled “Neutrogena hates women!”
In response to the mounting pressure, Neutrogena posted a tribute on Instagram following Panettiere’s passing, expressing sorrow over the loss and praising her as a cherished member of their community. The brand refrained from immediate further comments out of respect for the actress’s family and friends. Neutrogena commended Panettiere’s courage in speaking out on postpartum depression, pledging to contribute toward raising awareness and supporting women in need of assistance.
Neutrogena announced plans for a substantial investment in a community health partner to enhance access to support services for women, particularly those dealing with postpartum depression. They assured that more details would be shared once these initiatives are in motion.
