On Thursday, Neutrogena addressed the death of actress Hayden Panettiere, following backlash from fans. Many had revisited her previous comments claiming she was fired in 2015 for speaking about postpartum depression.

Neutrogena expressed their pride in partnering with Panettiere, acknowledging that she felt unsupported during challenging times. They stated, “This is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be.” Her honesty inspired important conversations about postpartum depression. The company is investing in community health initiatives to provide women with access to necessary support.

Out of respect for her family, Neutrogena chose to wait before commenting. They extended their condolences to Panettiere’s loved ones.

Panettiere, aged 36, passed away in Greenville, South Carolina. Emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest. The Drug Enforcement Administration is involved in the investigation, according to two sources.

Her acting career started in childhood and spanned over 30 years. She gained fame through roles in “Remember the Titans,” “Heroes,” “Bring It On,” and the “Scream” series. Her portrayal of Juliette Barnes in “Nashville” earned her two Golden Globe nominations and placement on the Billboard charts. Panettiere openly discussed her struggles with opioid and alcohol addiction, which began in her teens. In 2015, she sought help for postpartum depression after having her daughter.

Recent clips from an interview during a memoir press tour were shared widely, leading some fans to boycott Neutrogena due to her firing.

In a May episode of the “On Purpose” podcast with Jay Shetty, Panettiere discussed her experiences. She described Neutrogena as “a huge part of my life,” noting the invasive attention from paparazzi. Reflecting on a 2015 interview, she explained she hadn’t planned to discuss postpartum depression but spoke honestly about it.

Panettiere described her shock upon learning Neutrogena wanted to terminate her contract over the interview. Her representative advised that it was illegal, but she sensed her relationship with the brand was ending. She felt disappointed that after a decade, there was no acknowledgment or farewell from the company. “It really broke my heart,” she said.

While she wouldn’t change her decision to speak out, Panettiere realized the stigma surrounding postpartum depression. She noted how misunderstood it is, revealing societal attitudes toward women experiencing it.