Neutrogena Responds to Backlash Over Hayden Panettiere Partnership After Her Death

Neutrogena released a statement on Thursday addressing criticism surrounding its former partnership with actress Hayden Panettiere, who died at age 36. The company said it had not renewed Panettiere’s global brand-ambassador contract after she publicly discussed her experience with postpartum depression more than ten years ago.

"We are deeply saddened by Hayden Panettiere's passing," the statement read, adding that she had been a member of the Neutrogena community for over a decade and that the company “understand[s] we made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time.” The brand said the situation does not reflect its values. Panettiere’s memoir, released in May, detailed the decade-long relationship and her perspective on the partnership. The story is ongoing.