Neutrogena Responds to Backlash Following Hayden Panettiere's Death

Neutrogena responded to backlash on Friday following Hayden Panettiere’s death. The company shared a statement on Thursday addressing Panettiere's death, stating, "For more than a decade, Hayden was a valued member of our Neutrogena community. We are proud to have partnered with her and understand that we made her feel unsupported during a very difficult time."

Neutrogena added, "This is not what Neutrogena stands for or who we want to be." The company also announced a investment to a long-standing community health partner to help give more women access to the support they need, including care for postpartum depression. Panettiere, 36, died on Sunday in Greenville, South Carolina, with authorities stating emergency responders found her in cardiac arrest.

After her death, fans resurfaced comments Panettiere made earlier this year on a podcast, claiming Neutrogena fired her in 2015 for speaking out about postpartum depression (PPD). Panettiere stated she had a morals clause in her contract but never thought it would be exercised after her comments on "Live with Kelly and Michael." She worked with Neutrogena from 2005 to 2015.

The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) has joined the investigation into Panettiere's sudden death. Two sources familiar with the investigation told CBS News that the DEA is assisting. Panettiere's on-again, off-again boyfriend, Brian Hickerson, 37, was with her at the time of her death in a South Carolina Airbnb rental. Hickerson's attorney issued a statement Thursday, saying, "Hayden's death remains under investigation and it is important to allow that investigation to proceed. As has been publicly reported, police confirmed there were no signs of foul play."

Panettiere's mother, Lesley Vogel, released a statement Thursday, saying her estrangement from her daughter was due to the involvement of a toxic individual who I believe led to her death, without specifying a name. Panettiere had been open about struggles with opioids and alcohol, which she said were exacerbated by postpartum depression.