Neutrogena, the skincare giant, issued a public statement Thursday following the death of Hayden Panettiere, a response immediately ignited by fans’ resurfaced comments alleging the company fired her in 2015 for speaking out about postpartum depression. The statement, penned by company spokesperson, Sarah Miller, acknowledged Panettiere’s decade-long partnership and expressed condolences to Panettiere’s family. However, the statement’s tone quickly became embroiled in a significant backlash, with many fans demanding a boycott of Neutrogena due to perceived treatment of Panettiere’s struggles, particularly concerning the 2015 press tour interview. The company’s initial response focused on acknowledging the outpouring of support and acknowledging Panettiere’s courage in sharing her experiences, including her struggle with opioid and alcohol addiction following birth. The company stated it would share more details ‘when plans are in place’ and reiterated its commitment to a long-standing community health partner focused on supporting women’s access to postpartum depression care. Notably, the company’s initial response was reportedly triggered by clips from a recent press tour interview where Panettiere alluded to a contentious encounter with paparazzi, detailing a perceived ‘gory moment’ and a perceived lack of empathy from the company. This anecdote, according to sources, escalated concerns about the handling of Panettiere’s mental health challenges. The situation began with Panettiere’s death on Sunday, December 2, 2023, in Greenville, South Carolina, authorities identifying her as an emergency patient experiencing cardiac arrest. Panettiere had previously shared in 2022 about a struggle with addiction, including an opioid and alcohol use that began in her teens, and in 2015, she entered a treatment facility for postpartum depression after giving birth to her daughter. The company’s statement highlights its investment in a partnership with a long-standing community health organization dedicated to expanding access to support for women experiencing postpartum depression. The statement also emphasized the company’s intention to provide more details ‘when plans are in place’ as investigations into the incident continue. The backlash against Neutrogena intensified following the statement, with numerous social media campaigns demanding a boycott of the brand, driven by a combination of fan speculation and accusations of inaction regarding Panettiere’s well-being. In response to these demands, the company’s representative, Miller, addressed concerns regarding the 2015 interview, stating that Neutrogena’s policy was ‘illegal’ and that the company intended to avoid any further interaction with Panettiere. The company’s initial response included a statement expressing their ‘deepest condolences’ to Panettiere’s family and expressing regret over the ‘gory moments’ that occurred during the press tour. The company also reiterated its commitment to a long-standing community health partner dedicated to supporting women’s mental health, including care for postpartum depression, and offered the support of several individuals, including Pat Milton, Nicole Brown Chau, and Kiki Intarasuwan, who contributed to the report. The company’s response has been met with significant public scrutiny, with many expressing disappointment and frustration over the perceived lack of accountability following Panettiere’s death, particularly regarding the handling of the company’s initial response to the allegations. The situation remains fluid, with ongoing investigations into the circumstances surrounding Panettiere’s death and the company’s actions in response to the controversy.
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Source: CBS News
