Neutrogena addresses backlash over its past brand deal with Hayden Panettiere

Neutrogena responded Thursday to mounting backlash over its alleged treatment of its former ambassador Hayden Panettiere, saying on Instagram that the company understands it “made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time.” Panettiere, 36, was found unresponsive Sunday at an apartment complex in South Carolina and was pronounced dead at the scene. The coroner’s office said Panettiere’s cause of death is pending further investigation. An autopsy was completed on Monday. After her sudden death, fans began to resurface a podcast interview with the star from earlier this year in which she claimed that Neutrogena, which she described as “a huge part” of her life, severed ties with her over a “morals clause” when she spoke about her experiences with postpartum depression (PPD). Neutrogena’s social media posts were flooded with negative comments toward the brand, with some calling for a boycott.