For months, there has been a growing demand for skincare brand Neutrogena to address an accusation made by Hayden Panettiere back in May, which intensified following the actor’s recent passing. Neutrogena has now responded through an Instagram post, where they acknowledged the end of their long-term partnership with Panettiere without specifying the reasons or addressing the allegation related to her statements on postpartum depression.
Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in various TV shows and movies, was a global brand ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015. Following her public discussion about postpartum depression in 2015, her collaboration with Neutrogena came to an end. Panettiere revealed during a podcast interview in May that Neutrogena had allegedly attempted to terminate her contract citing a morality clause due to her remarks on postpartum depression, leading to her exclusion from future representation by the brand.
Panettiere expressed disappointment that no one from Neutrogena reached out to her after the incident, emphasizing the societal stigma and lack of understanding surrounding postpartum depression. This revelation prompted a backlash from fans who organized a boycott against Neutrogena, with one beauty influencer even incorporating the podcast audio in a video criticizing the brand.
Following Hayden Panettiere’s death, public pressure has mounted on Neutrogena to address the situation. Fans have been actively engaging with the brand’s social media platforms, urging them to acknowledge the allegations and take responsibility for their actions.
In response, Neutrogena expressed deep sorrow over Panettiere’s passing, praising her as a valued member of their community. The brand refrained from making immediate comments after her death out of respect for her family but recognized her bravery in speaking out. Neutrogena pledged to invest significantly in supporting women’s mental health, particularly in addressing postpartum depression, promising to share further details as their initiatives progress.