Reported by 3 sources

The short version

  • Hayden Panettiere was found dead at age 36 in South Carolina, with the DEA joining the investigation.
  • Neutrogena issued a statement acknowledging it made Panettiere feel unsupported after severing ties over her PPD comments.
  • Fans have criticized the brand, citing her previous accounts of being dropped for discussing mental health struggles.

The death of actress Hayden Panettiere has triggered a multi-agency investigation and renewed scrutiny of her professional relationships, particularly with skincare brand Neutrogena. Panettiere, known for her roles in 'Heroes' and 'Nashville,' was found dead at an apartment complex in Greenville, South Carolina, at the age of 36. Initial reports from ABC News indicated she was discovered in cardiac arrest.

The New York Times reported that the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has joined the investigation into her death. The involvement of federal agents suggests a thorough examination of potential contributing factors, although no specific cause of death has been officially confirmed beyond the initial finding of cardiac arrest. Authorities have not released detailed timelines or circumstances surrounding the discovery.

News Journal

In the wake of her passing, public attention has turned to a podcast interview Panettiere gave in May, three months before her death. In the conversation with host Jay Shetty, she recounted how Neutrogena ended its decade-long partnership with her after she spontaneously discussed her experiences with postpartum depression (PPD) during a live appearance. She described being called by the company to inform her they wanted to terminate their relationship due to 'morals clauses' in her contract.

Neutrogena issued a statement four days after Panettiere's death, addressing the backlash from fans who had circulated her interview clips and called for boycotts. The company expressed that it was 'deeply saddened' by her passing and acknowledged that it made her 'feel unsupported during a very difficult time.' The statement emphasized that this treatment did not align with the brand's values, though it did not elaborate on the specific contractual details.

Panettiere had previously stated in the interview that she never intended to discuss PPD publicly and was simply being honest. She expressed shock that the company would react negatively to her disclosure, noting that her representative intervened by arguing that firing her for discussing mental health issues might be illegal. Despite this intervention, she felt the relationship was effectively over, describing the lack of closure as heartbreaking.

Her mother has shared her first public comments since the tragedy, though details of those remarks have not been widely disseminated in the provided sources. The emotional toll of Panettiere's career, which began when she was five years old, was documented in her memoir 'This Is Me,' released in May alongside the podcast interview. The book detailed various struggles, including alcoholism and the pressures of early fame.

Fans have criticized Neutrogena for its handling of the situation, viewing Panettiere as a victim of an industry that often fails to support younger stars dealing with mental health challenges. Social media platforms saw a surge in criticism directed at the brand, with many users highlighting the irony of a skincare company dropping an ambassador for discussing postpartum issues.

The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not ruled out any possibilities regarding the cause of death. The DEA's involvement indicates a serious look into potential substance-related factors, but no conclusions have been drawn. Until further information is released, speculation about the exact circumstances should be treated with caution.

Panettiere's legacy continues to evolve as new details emerge about her personal battles and professional experiences. Her openness about PPD in recent months has resonated with many who face similar struggles, adding a layer of poignancy to the current events. The response from Neutrogena reflects a broader conversation about corporate responsibility and mental health advocacy in the entertainment industry.

As the investigation proceeds, the focus remains on establishing the facts surrounding her death while honoring her contributions to film and television. The intersection of her personal tragedy and professional history has sparked a wider dialogue about how public figures are treated by their partners and the media.

Sources behind this briefing

Go to the original reporting