NEUTROGENA SPEAKS ABOUT VANESSA HUDGENS
September 10, 2007 Until now, Neutrogena has kept mum about the future of new spokesmodel Vanessa Hudgens since naked photos of the 18-year-old "High School Musical" star surfaced on the internet Thursday.
But today the cosmetics company weighed in on Hudgens' future with them in an exclusive statement to CelebTV.com. "We are aware of the situation, and until we know more information, we will refrain from making further comment," a Neutrogena rep tells CelebTV.com.
In March of 2007, the budding star signed on to represent Neutrogena. Hudgens joins other celebrity spokesmodels such as Kelly Preston, Gabrielle Union and Hayden Panettiere.
"Vanessa Hudgens has an energetic, dynamic personality that will truly complement the spirit of Neutrogena. We are pleased to welcome her to our team", said Neutrogena President, Jim Colleran, at the time on the official website.
On Thursday, a nude photo of Hudgens surfaced online, followed on Friday by additional candid snaps of the actress, clothed but in provocative poses. Hudgens reportedly took the private pictures for her boyfriend and "HSM" co-star, Zac Efron, 19.
Late Friday, the Disney Channel reacted to the nude photo scandal, saying in a statement: "Vanessa has apologized for what was obviously a lapse in judgment. We hope she's learned a valuable lesson."
For her part, an "embarrassed" Hudgens apologized to her fans on Friday. In a statement to CelebTV.com, the actress said: "I want to apologize to my fans, whose support and trust means the world to me. I am embarrassed over this situation and regret having ever taken these photos. I am thankful for the support of my family and friends."
In the wake of the scandal, rumors had been circulating regarding the starlet's future, including one that Disney had parted ways with Hudgens and would replace her in the upcoming "High School Musical 3" with "Cheetah Girls" star Adrienne Bailon. "That story is 100 percent not true," the star's rep insisted to CelebTV.com on Friday.
Previously, Fritzo told CelebTV.com of the nude picture, "This was a photo which was taken privately. It is a personal matter and it is unfortunate that this has become public."
