Neutrogena Addresses Hayden Panettiere’s Death Amid Backlash

On Thursday, Neutrogena released a statement regarding the death of Hayden Panettiere, following days of criticism. Fans recently resurfaced comments by Panettiere claiming Neutrogena dismissed her in 2015 after she spoke publicly about postpartum depression.

For over a decade, Hayden was a crucial part of our Neutrogena community. We are honored to have collaborated with her and regret that we made her feel unsupported during such a challenging period. This does not reflect Neutrogena’s values or our desired identity, the company stated on social media.

They continued, Hayden’s bravery in discussing her hardships sparked vital discussions and increased awareness. We are investing substantially in a long-term health partner to offer more women access to necessary resources, including support for postpartum depression.

Neutrogena assured the public they would provide more information when plans are finalized.

Out of respect for Hayden’s loved ones, we refrained from an immediate response following her passing. Everyone at Neutrogena extends heartfelt condolences to her family and all who cherished her, it added.

Panettiere, aged 36, passed away on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest. Sources revealed to CBS News that the Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting in the investigation.

Panettiere’s acting career started in her childhood, spanning over three decades. She starred in films such as Remember the Titans, Heroes, Bring It On, and the Scream series. Her portrayal of Juliette Barnes in the TV drama Nashville earned her two Golden Globe nominations and recognition on the Billboard charts.

In 2022, she candidly shared with People magazine her struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction, which began during her teens. She entered treatment in October 2015 for postpartum depression after her daughter’s birth.

Recently, clips from her memoir This Is Me: A Reckoning were widely shared. In her book, she recounted her firing from Neutrogena, prompting some fans to call for a company boycott over its handling of her situation.

In a May interview on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast, Panettiere revealed her experiences at the time. Neutrogena was a major part of my life, she said, emphasizing the scrutiny she faced from paparazzi. She referenced a 2015 Live with Kelly and Michael interview, discussing postpartum depression as something personally relatable and commonly experienced by many women.

Being let go for talking about postpartum depression was unexpected. I never imagined facing repercussions for that; it was my truth, she told Shetty. Her representative informed her firing for such reasons was illegal. Still, she had an inkling she wouldn’t be invited back in subsequent years.

Despite her decade-long association with Neutrogena, she recalled a lack of communication following her departure. Not even a farewell message. It saddened me deeply.

I don’t regret it at all, she expressed to Shetty. It’s shocking that, of all my experiences, this was the parting line. It illuminated the misunderstandings and stigma attached to postpartum depression.