Neutrogena has broken its silence following intense backlash after the skincare brand dropped actress Hayden Panettiere, who had publicly shared her struggles with postpartum depression. The brand issued a statement expressing its condolences following Panettiere's recent death.
In May, prior to her passing, Panettiere alleged that Neutrogena invoked a morality clause in her contract in 2015, shortly after she spoke publicly about her experience with postpartum depression. Panettiere, who had been associated with the brand for nearly a decade, claimed the company terminated her contract based on this admission. This revelation resurfaced following her death at age 36, sparking significant criticism directed at Neutrogena.
The company stated it was "deeply saddened" by Panettiere's passing and acknowledged that its actions "made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time." Neutrogena affirmed that this response "is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be."
"For more than a decade, Hayden was a valued member of our Neutrogena community," the statement read. "We are proud to have partnered with her and understand that we made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time."
Neutrogena praised Panettiere's "courage in sharing her challenges," noting that it "helped inspire important conversations and awareness." The brand also announced plans to make a significant investment in a long-standing community health partner to provide women with greater access to support, including care for postpartum depression.
Details regarding this new initiative will be shared once plans are finalized. Neutrogena explained that it waited to address the situation out of respect for Panettiere's family and loved ones.
During a May appearance on the "On Purpose" podcast with Jay Shetty, Panettiere recounted the conversation with Neutrogena where she learned of the contract termination. She had shared her mental health journey on the talk show "Live With Kelly and Michael" in 2015, describing her character's struggle with postpartum depression and stating she could "very much relate" to the storyline. This marked her first public discussion of her mental health.
Panettiere stated that she was candid about her personal experiences, believing honesty was important. She expressed her heartbreak at the company's response after a decade-long partnership, noting the absence of any personal outreach from the brand. She recalled thinking, "Never for a second did I think or care that anyone would have a bad reaction to it. It was my truth."
Panettiere first partnered with Neutrogena in 2006, a collaboration that continued for nearly ten years. Her association with the brand was often highlighted by commercials where she promoted their products. Panettiere and her former fiancé, boxer Wladimir Klitschko, welcomed their daughter in December 2014. She would have turned 37 on August 21.