‘Deafening Silence’: Neutrogena Slammed After Tragedy Hits Panettiere Family
The Story Behind the Neutrogena Backlash After Hayden Panettiere’s Death
What Happened?
Over the weekend, actress Hayden Panettiere passed away in her apartment in Greenville, South Carolina. She would have turned 37 on Friday. While the exact cause of death hasn’t been determined yet, police say there were no signs of trauma or foul play. An autopsy is being conducted to find out more.
But her death has also brought back an old story — one that has many people very upset with the skincare brand Neutrogena.
The Neutrogena Connection
Important Point:
Hayden Panettiere was the face of Neutrogena for 10 years (2005–2015). She appeared in their ads and represented the brand publicly.
Panettiere’s Claims in Her Memoir
In her 2026 memoir, "This is Me: A Reckoning," Panettiere wrote that Neutrogena ended their long-term contract with her after she spoke openly about her post-partum depression on the TV show "Live with Kelly and Michael" in 2015.
She later talked about this firing on the Jay Shetty Podcast in May 2026, saying:
"Of all the things to… that they would fire me over, this was the last thing that I thought they would ever fire me over."
Public Reaction: From Criticism to Boycott Calls
Before Her Death
- Some people criticized Neutrogena on social media after hearing Panettiere’s side of the story.
After Her Death
- The criticism exploded into a massive wave of backlash.
- Many are now calling for a boycott of Neutrogena products.
- The story has gone viral, and the public is demanding answers.
What the Experts Say
Molly McPherson, a PR and crisis management expert, spoke on NBC News Now about the situation. Here’s what she said:
| Key Takeaway | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Words aren’t enough | A simple press release won’t fix this. |
| Action is needed | Neutrogena must do something real — like support maternal health. |
| Silence is damaging | By not responding, they let the public write the story for them. |
| It may be "too late" | The person affected (Panettiere) is no longer here to hear an apology. |
Important Point:
McPherson says Neutrogena should take earnest action toward maternal health to show they care — not just say they do.
Neutrogena’s Response (So Far)
- NBC News reached out to Neutrogena on Wednesday for comment.
- As of now, the company has not responded.
- Their silence is making the backlash worse.
Summary
- Hayden Panettiere, former Neutrogena spokesperson (2005–2015), claimed in her 2026 memoir that the brand fired her after she spoke publicly about post-partum depression in 2015.
- After her death over the weekend (age 36, cause unknown, no foul play suspected), public anger toward Neutrogena surged.
- People are demanding a boycott and real action — not just statements.
- Crisis experts say Neutrogena must act with empathy and action, especially around maternal mental health, or risk lasting damage to their reputation.
FAQ
Why are people mad at Neutrogena?
Because Hayden Panettiere said they fired her after she spoke openly about her post-partum depression — a serious health issue many moms face. People feel that punishing her for being honest was wrong.
Did Neutrogena admit they fired her for that?
No. The company has not responded to media requests for comment, so we only have Panettiere’s account from her memoir and podcast.
What is post-partum depression?
It’s a type of depression that can happen after having a baby. It’s not the "baby blues" — it’s more serious and can last months. It’s a real medical condition, not a weakness.
What do experts say Neutrogena should do now?
Take real action — like donating to maternal mental health programs, partnering with advocacy groups, or launching a campaign to support moms. A statement alone won’t help.
Is there an investigation into Panettiere’s death?
Yes. Police say there were no signs of trauma or foul play, but the cause of death hasn’t been released yet. An autopsy is underway.