Neutrogena has finally addressed the ongoing calls for accountability following claims made by Hayden Panettiere earlier this year, which intensified after her recent passing. In a recent Instagram post, the skincare brand acknowledged their past association with Panettiere but did not elaborate on the reasons for the partnership’s end, particularly regarding her public statements on postpartum depression.
While serving as a global brand ambassador for Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015, Panettiere openly discussed her postpartum depression struggles on a talk show in 2015. Following this, her collaboration with the brand ceased, with Panettiere claiming that Neutrogena attempted to terminate her contract citing a morality clause violation due to her remarks.
Despite the fallout in 2015, Panettiere never received any communication from Neutrogena thereafter. She highlighted the societal stigma surrounding postpartum depression, shedding light on the misconceptions and challenges faced by women in similar situations.
In response to the public backlash and boycott threats, Neutrogena released a statement expressing sorrow over Panettiere’s passing and praising her for initiating important discussions on postpartum depression. The brand announced plans for a substantial investment in a health partner to increase women’s access to postpartum depression support, promising more details once the initiatives are implemented.