For months, demands have been mounting for Neutrogena, a skincare company, to address an accusation made by Hayden Panettiere in May. These calls intensified following the actor’s recent passing. Neutrogena has now issued a statement on Instagram, although comments on the post have been disabled. The company did not delve into specifics regarding the termination of its long-standing partnership with Panettiere or address the allegation that it was linked to her discussion about postpartum depression.
Neutrogena expressed pride in their collaboration with Panettiere but acknowledged that they had inadvertently made her feel unsupported during a challenging period. They emphasized that such behavior does not align with their values or identity.
Panettiere, known for her roles in various TV shows and as a former global brand ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015, disclosed her battle with postpartum depression in a 2015 appearance on a talk show. Subsequently, her partnership with Neutrogena came to an end. In a podcast interview with Jay Shetty earlier in the year, Panettiere alleged that Neutrogena had attempted to terminate her contract due to her comments on postpartum depression, citing a morality clause.
Following these events, fans initiated a boycott against Neutrogena, with one beauty influencer even incorporating the podcast audio in a video titled “Neutrogena hates women!” After Panettiere’s demise, criticism of Neutrogena surged once more, with social media users urging the company to address the situation publicly.
Neutrogena, in response, expressed deep sorrow over Panettiere’s death and described her as a valuable member of their community. The brand refrained from immediate commentary post the actor’s passing out of respect for her family. Neutrogena commended Panettiere’s bravery in speaking out, stating that her actions have sparked important dialogues and heightened awareness on the issue of postpartum depression. The company pledged a substantial investment in a community health partner to enhance support for women, particularly in postpartum depression care, promising to share more details as the initiatives unfold.