For months, there have been increasing calls for Neutrogena, a skincare company, to address an allegation made by Hayden Panettiere in May. The demands intensified following the actor’s recent passing. Neutrogena has now broken its silence through an Instagram post.
In the post, which does not allow comments, Neutrogena acknowledged the termination of its long-standing partnership with Panettiere without delving into specific reasons. The brand expressed regret for making her feel unsupported during a challenging period, stating that such actions do not align with Neutrogena’s values.
Hayden Panettiere, known for her roles in various TV shows and movies, served as a global brand ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015. Following her public discussion about postpartum depression on a talk show in 2015, her association with Neutrogena came to an end abruptly.
During a podcast interview with Jay Shetty, Panettiere revealed that Neutrogena had allegedly attempted to terminate her contract by invoking a morality clause due to her comments on postpartum depression. Despite objections from her representative, she anticipated not being invited back to represent Neutrogena the following year.
Panettiere emphasized the lack of communication from the company since the incident in 2015, highlighting societal misconceptions and stigma surrounding postpartum depression. This revelation triggered a backlash from fans, leading to calls for a boycott of Neutrogena.
In response to the recent outcry following Panettiere’s death, Neutrogena has faced renewed criticism on social media platforms. Users have urged the company to address the allegations publicly, emphasizing the importance of acknowledging and supporting individuals dealing with postpartum depression.
Neutrogena’s Instagram statement expressed condolences over Panettiere’s passing and praised her for initiating vital conversations about postpartum depression. The brand vowed to invest significantly in supporting women’s mental health, particularly in addressing postpartum depression, with detailed plans forthcoming.
The company refrained from immediate responses out of respect for Panettiere’s family and pledged to contribute towards raising awareness and providing necessary support for women facing similar challenges.
