U.S. cosmetics brand Neutrogena addressed mounting online backlash over allegations that it ended its long-term partnership with Hayden Panettiere after she spoke publicly about experiencing postpartum depression, according to statements released by the company and reported by outlets including Global News, NBC News, and RTÉ.
Neutrogena Issues Statement Following Public Backlash
According to Global News and NBC News, Neutrogena released a statement on Instagram addressing the controversy surrounding its historical partnership with Panettiere. The actor worked as a spokesperson for the beauty brand from 2005 to 2015. In its social media post, the company acknowledged that Panettiere had been a valued community member for over a decade and stated, according to Global News, that it understands it “made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time.”
The brand’s response followed a wave of negative comments and boycott threats across social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram, as reported by NBC News. Fans and consumers began criticizing the company after clips resurfaced from an interview Panettiere gave earlier in the year on Jay Shetty’s On Purpose podcast.
Did you know? Postpartum depression affects approximately 1 in 7 women, according to clinical data cited by NBC News from the Cleveland Clinic, making awareness and accessible care critical public health issues.
Origins of the Controversy: The Podcast Interview and Morals Clauses
During her appearance on the On Purpose Podcast, Panettiere stated that Neutrogena terminated her contract after she spoke candidly about postpartum depression during a television interview. According to transcripts cited by RTÉ, the actor explained that her contracts included “morals clauses,” which allow contracting parties to sever ties if conduct risks reputational damage.
“Neutrogena was a huge part of my life,” Panettiere said on the podcast, as reported by RTÉ. She expressed surprise at the reaction, noting that she never intended to cause controversy by sharing her truth. While her representative at the time argued that the termination was legally questionable, Panettiere recalled that the decade-long partnership ended permanently that year, according to Global News.
Company Response and Pledged Investments
According to Global News, Neutrogena explained that it delayed issuing a public statement out of respect for Panettiere’s family and loved ones following her death at age 36 in Greenville, South Carolina. Police and coroner’s offices confirmed she was found unresponsive on a Sunday and pronounced dead at the scene, with autopsies showing no signs of foul play while investigations continue.
In response to the criticism, Neutrogena pledged to make a significant financial investment in a long-standing community health partner, aiming to expand access to support services and postpartum depression care for women, according to statements covered by Global News and RTÉ.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Hayden Panettiere to Neutrogena?
Hayden Panettiere served as a prominent spokesperson for Neutrogena for over a decade, from 2005 to 2015, according to reports by Global News and NBC News.
Why did social media users call for a boycott of Neutrogena?
Consumers called for a boycott after clips resurfaced from a podcast interview where Panettiere claimed the brand dropped her over a morals clause for discussing her struggles with postpartum depression, as detailed by NBC News and RTÉ.
How did Neutrogena respond to the backlash?
According to Global News, Neutrogena released an Instagram statement acknowledging it made Panettiere feel unsupported and announced financial investments toward community health partners providing postpartum depression support.
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