Neutrogena Responds to Hayden Panettiere Death in Greenville After Postpartum Depression Backlash

Skincare company acknowledges criticism after actress's past account resurfaced

GREENVILLE, South Carolina — Neutrogena has issued a public response following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, who died Sunday in Greenville at age 36, after renewed scrutiny of her account that the skincare brand dropped her as a spokesperson after she discussed postpartum depression in 2015.

In a social-media statement published Thursday, Neutrogena said Panettiere had been part of its community for more than a decade and acknowledged that the company had left her feeling unsupported during a difficult period in her life. The statement followed days of online backlash, including calls from some fans to boycott the brand after clips of Panettiere discussing the end of her relationship with the company were widely shared.

“We are proud to have partnered with her and understand that we made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time,” Neutrogena said. “This is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be.” The company said it planned to make a significant investment in a long-standing community health partner to expand access to support for women, including care for postpartum depression. It said further details would be released when plans are finalized.

Neutrogena said it had delayed responding publicly out of respect for Panettiere’s family and loved ones. The company extended condolences to her family and to those close to the actor.

Authorities investigate Panettiere's death

Emergency responders found Panettiere in cardiac arrest in Greenville on Sunday, authorities said. Two sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News that the Drug Enforcement Administration is assisting investigators. Authorities have not publicly released further details about the circumstances of her death.

The investigation has also renewed attention on Panettiere’s openness about substance use, mental health and postpartum depression. In 2022, she told People magazine that addiction to opioids and alcohol had begun during her teenage years. In October 2015, after the birth of her daughter, she entered a treatment facility for postpartum depression.

During a May appearance on Jay Shetty’s “On Purpose” podcast, Panettiere said she had been surprised when postpartum depression arose during a 2015 interview on “Live with Kelly and Michael.” She said she had spoken honestly about an experience shared by many women and had not expected the comments to be received negatively.

Panettiere said she was later told Neutrogena wanted to end its relationship with her because of those remarks. Although her representative objected at the time, Panettiere said she believed the partnership would not continue and recalled receiving no personal goodbye after approximately 10 years with the brand.

“It made me realize and understand exactly what people thought of women who experience postpartum depression and how misunderstood it is, how much stigma there is around it,” she said in the podcast interview. Her comments have become a focal point in the public response to her death, underscoring the continuing stigma surrounding maternal mental-health conditions.

Panettiere’s career spanned more than three decades, beginning in childhood and including roles in “Remember the Titans,” “Heroes,” the “Scream” franchise and “Nashville.” Her portrayal of country singer Juliette Barnes in “Nashville” earned two Golden Globe nominations. The investigation into her death remains ongoing.