Neutrogena apologizes to Hayden Panettiere following her death

Following the death of actress Hayden Panettiere at age 36, skincare brand Neutrogena has issued a statement addressing long-standing allegations that it terminated her contract in 2015 after she spoke publicly about postpartum depression. The company acknowledged that it made Panettiere “feel unsupported during a very difficult time” and pledged to make a “significant investment” in a community health partner to support women’s mental health. The announcement follows intense social media backlash and calls for a boycott, which coincided with a modest decline in the stock price of Neutrogena’s parent company, Kenvue Inc.

Panettiere’s mother, Lesley Vogel, has also addressed the public scrutiny regarding her daughter’s passing and their previously estranged relationship. Vogel stated that the estrangement was not due to a lack of love but was caused by the involvement of a “toxic individual” whom she believes contributed to Panettiere’s death. While Vogel did not name the individual, reports indicate she has previously expressed concerns regarding Panettiere’s partner, Brian Hickerson, who was present at the time of her death in Greenville, South Carolina. Authorities, including the DEA, are investigating the circumstances surrounding the actress's death.