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Hayden Panettiere's Mom Breaks Silence, Says Family Tried to "Get Rid" of Brian Hickerson
Hayden Panettiere’s fans will always stand by her.
After the Heroes alum died on Aug. 16 at the age of 36 from an apparent overdose, many supporters are criticizing Neutrogena for allegedly ending their decade-long partnership with Panettiere over her comments about postpartum depression.
“Neutrogena was a huge part of my life,” Panettiere explained during the May 11 episode of Jay Shetty’s On Purpose Podcast. “I had the morals clause. They caught absolutely everything and of all the things that they would fire me over, this is the last thing that I thought they would ever fire me over.”
Panettiere—mom to 11-year-old daughter Kaya with ex-fiancé Wladimir Klitschko—alleged the company severed ties with her after she candidly detailed her battle with postpartum depression during a 2015 appearance on Live with Kelly and Michael, less than a year after she gave birth.
“I had no intention or plan to talk about postpartum depression,” she explained. “It just came up and I was just being honest and never for a second did I think that anyone cared or that anyone would have a bad reaction to it. It was my truth.”
“And so when I got that call that Neutrogena wanted to fire me over that, and my representative at the time said, ‘That’s illegal you can’t do that,’ I knew that that was gonna be it,” she added, “that I was not gonna be invited back the next year and I had worked with those people for 10 years.”
To make matters worse, Panettiere—who worked with the beauty company from 2005 to 2015—recalled “not hearing a word from anybody” on the Neutrogena team when her contract wasn't renewed—despite the close bond they'd built with the then-26-year-old.
As she put it, “I remember that really breaking my heart.”
Neutrogena has not publicly confirmed why they ended their partnership with Panettiere.
Photo by Amy Sussman/Getty Images for amfAR
E! News has reached out to Neutrogena for comment but has not yet heard back.
In response to the now-viral clip, many of Panettiere’s supporters expressed their disappointment with the alleged incident.
“Firing a woman while she’s going through postpartum—at a time when she may already be physically, mentally, and emotionally struggling—says a lot about your company,” one user wrote on X. “You can’t claim to support or celebrate women while showing so little compassion for them.”
Meanwhile, another added, “What the hell @Neutrogena this is absolutely disgraceful. Y’all should be ashamed.”
And others expressed their plans to boycott the company, with a fan emphasizing, “I will never buy @Neutrogena for as long as I live.”
Raymond Hall/GC Images
Before Panettiere was found unresponsive—and later pronounced dead—in a South Carolina apartment complex she was residing in, she also addressed misconceptions about signing over her custody rights to Klitschko amid her mental health and addiction struggles.
"The idea that anybody would think that I would just give away my child and be OK with it is heartbreaking," Panettiere told Shetty, calling out the "misconception is that I have been in the past forced into treatment when, in fact, I have been the one who sought it out."
Describing herself a "mother lion," the 36-year-old said she "would have burnt the world down" for Kaya's sake. So, when Waldimir—who she dated from 2009 to 2018—thought "it would be best" for Kaya to live in his native Ukraine with him as Hayden sought treatment, the Nashville alum said she made the "incredibly difficult" decision to relinquish custody.
"She's an incredible little girl—so happy, speaks five languages and rides horses," the Bring It On: All or Nothing actress said. "She's got two parents that love her and I know in my heart that she feels supported."
Keep reading for a look at how Hollywood is remembering Panettiere’s life and legacy.
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Brittany Snow
Snow honored her Guiding Light costar with a throwback of them as girls, when they played stepsisters on the soap opera.
"I was lucky enough to play your sister for 3 years. I related to you so much in so many ways. Ways that I never even told you," Snow shared on her Instagram Story."Your talent was remarkable & so was your determination to be a bold, bright shining light. And you were. Always supportive, curious, funny and brave."
She added, "You will always be remembered undoubtedly for your undeniable strength and spirit."
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Hilary Duff
"Sweet Hayden. Really tough hearing this news," the Lizzie McGuire alum wrote on Instagram. "We lost touch through the years but I will always remember you as so hardworking and effervescent, with that big, gorgeous smile. I remember staying up late, chatting and gossiping, and connecting because we were part of such a small sliver of people who actually understood the strange lot in life we were navigating.. so young, with no real idea how to make sense of any of it.
I so deeply wish this wasn't the end for you."
Duff ended with, "Sending a heart full of love to your family, the many people you impacted and everyone who loved you. rest easy."
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Connie Britton
"This was Hayden. Bursting with brilliance, shining so bright," Britton wrote alongside photos of the two starring on Nashville together. "I have no words for this sad song. Just heartbreak. I love you girl. Sleep easy now."
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Frankie Muniz
Her Racing Stripes costar wrote on X, "Very sad to hear about Hayden. I got to work with her on many projects and always had an absolutely great time with her. I have so many amazing stories and memories with her. I hope she rests in peace."
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Jenna Ortega
The Wednesday actress shared the news of Panettiere's death to her Instagram Story, writing, "This is such a devastating loss. Rest well."
Photo by Jeff Spicer/Getty Images for Sony Pictures
Blake Lively
"Be. Kind," she wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere and late Ice Pincess costar Michelle Trachtenberg. "You never know what others are going through. Thank you to both these women for all the joy you brought so many."
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Kim Cattrall
The Ice Princess star—who played Panettiere's mom in the 2005 Disney film—shared a photo from the movie and a touching note to the late actress.
"Rest in peace sweet Hayden," Cattrall wrote on Instagram. "Gone far too soon."
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Ashley Tisdale
"Today is heavy," she wrote Aug. 17. "We lost one of the most talented and beautiful actors. Hayden was the girl growing up that you aspired to be. She was talented, smart, and later in life shared her flaws and struggles to make people feel less alone. She shared so much of herself for so long. Rest in peace."
Matt Lanter/Instagram
Matt Lanter
"So sad to hear of Hayden’s passing," he wrote on Instgram. "She played my girlfriend on Commander in Chief then I went over to her show and played her boyfriend on S1 of Heroes. We always had a great time on set and tons of laughs… Man, just too young."
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Mario Lopez
"Heartbroken over the loss of Hayden," he shared. "I’ll always remember her warmth & beautiful spirit. Having known her family makes this loss feel especially personal. I’m holding Lesley, Skip & Kaya close to my heart. Rest peacefully, you will be deeply missed."
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Taryn Manning
The actress said that Panettiere's death "hurts."
"Hayden was always such a sweetheart- so rad - down to earth, kind, and consistently the same every time I saw her," Manning wrote. "We shared so many funny little moments over the years... I don’t really have words for what has happened and she is suddenly gone. I’m just grateful I got to know her and have memories like this."
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Alyssa Milano
Milano remembered Panettiere for her activism "in service of things larger than herself."
"Perhaps most quietly powerful, she spoke openly about what so many are taught to hide: domestic violence, postpartum depression, addiction, recovery, and abuse," she wrote. "She did not share these things for ease or attention, but because she understood what her silence could cost others."
She added, "Her activism was not polished or performative. It was instinctive, human, sometimes messy, often vulnerable, and always sincere. She was willing to be uncomfortable, to be misunderstood, and to speak before the world was ready to listen."
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Alyson Stoner
The Suite Life of Zack & Cody alum—who worked with Panettiere as voice actors in the Kingdom Hearts video game franchise—shared a tearful reflection.
"I just wanted to acknowledge the tremendous loss, not only for the Kingdom Hearts family, but of course all of the close loved ones and the millions of lives that Hayden reached," they said in an Instagram video. "Sending so much love to Hayden's family, I'll be thinking of Hayden and the legacy that she has left. Sending lots of love to the Kingdom Hearts community too and how we're sharing in this loss."
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Kerry Washington
"Hayden Panettiere was a beautiful talent and beautiful soul," the Scandal alum wrote. "Sending her family my love, thoughts and prayers."
PATRICK T. FALLON/AFP via Getty Images
SAG-AFTRA
"We join in mourning the sudden passing of Hayden Panettiere," the union—which she joined in 1994 at age 4—began its tribute. "Starting as a child actor, Hayden's long career in TV and film included memorable roles in Heroes, Nashville and more. Our hearts are with her daughter, family, friends and fans."
David Anders/Instagram
David Anders
"One of the brighter lights I've ever met and had the privilege to call a friend," the Heroes alum wrote of his costar. "I love you Hayden. Always and forever. Wherever you are now."
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James Kyson
Kyson, best known for his role as Ando Masahashi in Heroes, recalled meeting his costar while filming the sci-fi series.
"I first met Hayden when she was 16, and she was already a veteran actor with such bright spirit, and an older soul," he wrote on Instagram. "I remember her as a fierce protector of animal rights and a 'cheerleader' for kindness, justice, and people being treated fairly - something that I've always appreciated."
He also shared a reminder to online users, emphasizing, "Life can be so short… let's send some love out to the world, our loved ones, and to those who need it most today."
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Brandon Auman
"Horrible news," Auman, who directed Panettiere's final film Sleepwalker, began on Instagram. "Completely devastated. You taught me so much on set, and the personal stories you shared with me about growing up in the industry were often profound, surreal and amazing. Thank you for everything. I'll miss you, Hayden."
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JoJo
"This is such devastating news," the singer wrote on her Instagram Stories. "I am so so sorry to heard of her passing. Oh. My God."
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Chris Applebaum
Applebaum shared a throwback clip of him working with Panettiere on the music video for her 2008 song "Wake Up Call," while detailing their recent reunion.
"I directed this video for @haydenpanettiere with @imsebastianstan," he explained on Instagram. "When I saw her at Paris' a couple months ago, we were cracking up over all the funny stuff we talked about between shots, pranking Klitschko in Miami, and how tiny she was. Such a sweet, tiny little bundle of joy. Your memory will always be a blessing."
Dimitrios Kambouris/Getty Images for Paramount+
Jeremy Renner
The Hawkeye star commented on People's Instagram post, "Bless you and your family."
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Dania Ramirez
"My heart aches so much right now," Panettiere's Heroes costar wrote. "I love you and will always miss you. I take comfort in knowing that I am with you in life and in death because your love and energy has always transcended this dimension."
"My thoughts are with your daughter and those who truly love you," she added. "I know that the ones that got to feel your gifts will forever feel blessed and grateful for you."
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Bethany Joy Lenz
After Panettiere’s death Aug. 16, her Guiding Light costar Bethany Joy Lenz was one of many who shared heartbreaking memories from their years-long friendship.
“I’m crushed,” Bethany wrote in an Instagram post. “I knew the wild little blonde. Was she nine? Ten? I was eighteen. She ran through the Screen Gem studio hallways at 222 E44th St. laughing and playing games in between blocking and camera rehearsals. Long, unruly curls trailing behind her. She knew her lines and everyone else’s. Her intelligence was astonishing.”
Noting that the pair would “connect on and off over the years,” Bethany detailed feeling joy when they “were lucky enough to cross paths.”
“I dont understand how this is real,” she continued. “Everything seemed to be turning around. She was coming BACK to life, wasn’t she? It’s too young and there’s still so much more life. And her daughter…. Hayden, you are surround by love. I’m sorry for every moment I didn’t reach out or check in. This can’t be real..”
Evan Agostini/Getty Images for TFF
Viola Davis
Davis, who starred alongside Panettiere in the 2016 film Custody, remembered her as "an amazing talent."
“Julius [Tennon] and I loved working with you,” Viola wrote in her Aug. 17 Instagram post, “an old, wise soul with such a deep heart. I wish the world had more time with you because I had a burning curiosity about who you were becoming. I saw this beautiful Phoenix rising from the ashes. Your tests became your testimony, and your testimony became your legacy.”
“You will be remembered,” the Fences star added. “Rest well, Hayden. Sending healing prayers to your family, your daughter, and all who loved you. May they always speak your name.”
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Selma Blair
Underneath the Heroes actress’ final Instagram post, Blair penned a heartbreaking message: "I love you. Don’t be gone. Don’t be gone. Please. Please.” The Legally Blonde alum later added, “I'm dying. Please be here."
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Kelly Osbourne
“I am deeply saddened by the loss of someone who meant so much to me,” Osbourne wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere. “We understood each other in a way few truly can — recognizing how difficult it is to grow up in the spotlight, and how isolating it can feel even when surrounded by so many people.”
Osbourne praised Panettiere as being “such a good friend.”
“I will never forget you, Hayden, and I will always believe you deserved better,” the Osbournes alum added. “Rest in peace, sweet princess. You will never be forgotten.”
Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images
Rosie O'Donnell
"Oh my god," the comedian wrote alongside a photo of Panettiere Aug. 16, "heartbroken. #hayden."
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Melissa Barrera
Panettiere's Scream costar Barrera wrote on her Instagram Stories Aug. 16, “Rest in peace sweet Hayden.”
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Jay Shetty
The podcaster—who sat down with the Bring It On: All or Nothing star in May for an emotional conversation about her sobriety journey and the death of her brother—shared he was in "disbelief."
"You were so special," he wrote on his Instagram Stories alongside a clip of her podcast episode. "May you always be protected and peaceful."
Instagram/@heathermatarazzo
Heather Matarazzo
The Princess Diaries star shared she met the Ice Princess actress during their early days of acting.
“Devastated,” she captioned a photo of the pair on Instagram. “We first met on the LIRR traveling to NYC for auditions when we were both kids. Every time our paths crossed, my heart always filled up. She was special. She was a Sprite of a being and such a talent. Truly a light…..Love you, Hayden.”
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