Neutrogena has issued a formal statement addressing criticism regarding its past relationship with actor Hayden Panettiere. Following her recent death, the brand acknowledged that it failed to provide adequate support to the former spokesperson during her experience with postpartum depression.
Panettiere, who served as a brand ambassador from 2005 to 2015, previously claimed she was dropped by the company after discussing her personal struggles with postpartum depression during a televised interview. The actor stated she was open about her experience, only to be told by representatives that her public comments were the reason for the termination of their professional partnership.
The brand's recent communication expressed regret over how the situation was handled. Neutrogena admitted that they contributed to the actor feeling unsupported, noting that the company's past actions did not align with its values. The company extended condolences to the family of the late actor while aiming to address the frustration shared by her fans.
In an effort to move forward, Neutrogena stated that it plans to make a financial contribution toward community health support. This investment is intended to increase resources for women dealing with postpartum depression. While specific details on this initiative remain forthcoming, the announcement marks a significant shift in tone from the skincare company following widespread public backlash.