Neutrogena Responds to Hayden Panettiere’s Death and Past Controversy

In response to the passing of Hayden Panettiere, Neutrogena issued a statement addressing her death and the recent discussions surrounding her departure from the company in 2015. Panettiere, a long-time spokesperson for the brand, accused Neutrogena of dismissing her after she openly discussed her battle with postpartum depression.

The skincare company expressed sorrow over the loss and acknowledged the backlash. They highlighted Panettiere’s bravery in sharing her experiences, which spurred conversations about mental health issues. Neutrogena announced plans to invest in community health initiatives to aid women, particularly those dealing with postpartum depression.

“For more than a decade, Hayden was a valued member of our Neutrogena community. We are proud to have partnered with her and understand that we made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time,” the company wrote. “This is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be.”

The statement concluded with condolences to Panettiere’s family, highlighting the company’s desire to respect the family’s need for privacy.

Panettiere, aged 36, passed away in Greenville, South Carolina. Reports indicate emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest, and the Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting in the investigation.

The actress’s career began in childhood and she starred in numerous films and TV shows such as “Remember the Titans,” “Heroes,” and “Nashville.” Her role in “Nashville” earned her two Golden Globe nominations. Throughout her career, she was open about personal struggles, including her addiction to alcohol and opioids, and sought treatment for postpartum depression after her daughter was born in 2015.

Recently, her statements regarding her separation from Neutrogena resurfaced, causing public scrutiny of the company’s handling of her situation. In an interview on the “On Purpose” podcast with Jay Shetty, Panettiere reflected on the unexpected confrontation with Neutrogena. She shared that the topic of postpartum depression emerged naturally during an interview without any preconceived plan.

“Of all the things to, that they would fire me over, this was the last thing that I thought they would ever fire me over,” she disclosed.

She described feeling abandoned by the company after a decade of collaboration, recalling a lack of acknowledgment for her contributions over the years. Panettiere explained how this experience deepened her understanding of the stigma surrounding postpartum depression.

Panettiere’s influence and openness about personal experiences have had a significant impact, sparking continued discussion about mental health awareness and the importance of supporting those facing similar challenges.