Neutrogena issued a statement on Thursday acknowledging that it made Hayden Panettiere feel unsupported during a difficult period, following renewed criticism of the brand’s decision to end its partnership with the actress in 2015.
Panettiere, 36, died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina, after emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest. The coroner’s office confirmed that an autopsy was completed on Monday, though the cause of death remains pending further investigation. The Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting in the investigation, according to sources familiar with the case.
The controversy stems from comments Panettiere made in a May 2024 podcast interview, where she alleged that Neutrogena terminated her contract after she discussed her experience with postpartum depression (PPD) on Live with Kelly and Michael in 2015. Panettiere described the decision as a breach of her contract’s morals clause, though she stated she never expected the clause to be enforced. She recounted receiving a call informing her that Neutrogena would not renew her contract, adding that the decision ‘really broke her heart.’
In its statement posted to Instagram, Neutrogena described Panettiere as ‘a valued member of our Neutrogena community’ for over a decade. The company acknowledged that it ‘made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time,’ stating that this outcome ‘is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be.’ The brand did not provide further details about the terms of her contract or the circumstances surrounding the contract’s termination.
The company also announced a ‘significant investment’ to a long-standing community health partner to expand access to support for women, including care for postpartum depression. Neutrogena stated it would share additional details ‘when plans are in place.’ The statement concluded by expressing condolences to Panettiere’s family and loved ones, noting that the company waited several days to respond ‘out of respect for Hayden’s family.’
Panettiere’s career spanned more than three decades, with notable roles in Remember the Titans, Heroes, Bring It On, and the Scream franchise. She also starred as Juliette Barnes in the TV drama Nashville, earning two Golden Globe nominations. In 2022, she publicly discussed her struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction, which began in her teens. In 2015, she entered a treatment facility for substance use, as previously reported by People magazine.
Fans and social media users criticized Neutrogena after Panettiere’s death, with some calling for a boycott and sharing videos expressing disappointment in the brand’s reported actions. The backlash prompted Neutrogena’s public response, which did not address the specifics of the 2015 contract termination but acknowledged the emotional impact on Panettiere.
Neutrogena’s statement did not elaborate on whether the company had reviewed or revised its policies regarding morals clauses or mental health disclosures in contracts. A spokesperson for the brand declined to provide further comment when contacted by news outlets.