Selena Gomez’s Mom Mandy Teefey Denies Alleged Ritalin Incident Amid Wondermind Controversy

🎗 31

Introduction: The Allegations Stir Controversy

Selena Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefey, recently found herself at the center of a storm of allegations surrounding her conduct at Wondermind, the mental health startup she co-founded with Selena Gomez. A September 3 exposé by The Cut claimed that Teefey, 49, was seen engaging in questionable behavior, including allegedly snorting a line of Ritalin in the office. The accusations, coming from anonymous employees, sparked widespread media attention and speculation about the environment at Wondermind, as well as Mandy Teefey’s personal conduct.

However, Teefey quickly issued a categorical denial, calling the claims “absolutely” false and defending both her personal character and her professional mission.

The Alleged Incident and Employee Claims

According to the article, anonymous former staffers alleged that Teefey sometimes appeared intoxicated while at the office. One employee specifically claimed to have seen her allegedly snorting what was believed to be Ritalin. Beyond this, other former employees suggested that a rotation of nurses visited the office regularly, providing vitamin IV drips, which were alleged to include liquid Benadryl.

Teefey reportedly explained that she needed these IV injections to manage allergies and recover from severe COVID-19 and double pneumonia. Observers noted that after these treatments, Teefey spoke slowly and appeared drowsy. The article also highlighted that Teefey’s younger daughter, Gracie, occasionally had sleepovers at the office, which reportedly concerned staff members.

Mandy Teefey’s Statement and Denial

Responding to the claims, Teefey released a statement to Us Weekly, firmly denying the allegations of snorting Ritalin. She said:

“It absolutely never happened. I started Wondermind because I wanted to help people with mental illness. It’s unfortunate that a few disgruntled employees with an ax to grind can spread lies about me and distort the truth. Even more disappointing that the media is willing to amplify their lies.”

Teefey emphasized that her focus has always been on helping others and maintaining the integrity of Wondermind, her multimedia platform designed to provide mental health support.

Selena Gomez’s Position and Family Dynamics

The report also suggested that Selena Gomez, 33, was allegedly aware of her mother’s difficulties. A former staffer told The Cut:

“I will say this with the utmost certainty — no doubt, hesitation in my mind. Selena knew her mother was not well enough to be running that company.”

As of now, Selena has not publicly commented on the allegations. She has, however, been actively involved in Wondermind since its founding and has frequently discussed her vision for the platform.

Wondermind: A Mental Health Initiative

Founded in 2022 by Selena Gomez, Mandy Teefey, and Daniella Pierson, Wondermind is a multimedia platform aimed at offering comprehensive mental health support. The initiative was designed to blend education, media, and self-reflection in a way that encourages personal growth and emotional well-being.

Mandy Teefey, at the launch, described Wondermind as:

“Far from medical or preachy, we’ve struck a balance between education, media, and self-reflection that truly inspires growth.”

Selena Gomez also expressed her dedication to the project, stating in a May 2022 interview:

“One of the people that I’ve looked up to my whole life is Princess Diana… A real, honest, safe, comfortable place — something people can turn to. I hope nothing more than for people to feel what I feel when I think about what we’re doing.”

Financial Challenges and Staff Layoffs

Despite its promising vision, Wondermind faced significant financial challenges. In May 2025, the company laid off approximately 60 percent of its staff, according to Forbes. The layoffs were part of a larger effort to transition Wondermind into a sustainable model.

A spokesperson for Wondermind told the outlet at the time:

“In the coming days, we will be transitioning into a new chapter for Wondermind. We have rectified any outstanding debts and are committed to continuing our mission of mental wellness.”

The combination of layoffs and financial scrutiny may have contributed to the heightened attention and controversy surrounding the organization.

The Importance of Transparency in Startups

The allegations against Mandy Teefey underscore the challenges that high-profile startups face when personal and professional lives intersect. Employees and stakeholders often scrutinize leaders’ behaviors, particularly in organizations tied to mental health and wellness. While anonymous accounts can provide valuable insights, they can also amplify misunderstandings or personal grievances, as Teefey emphasized in her statement.

Wondermind’s Mission and Public Perception

Wondermind was intended to be more than a traditional mental health platform. Its mission encompasses:

Educational resources to improve mental fitness
Multimedia content to engage users in self-reflection
A community-based approach to encourage open dialogue about mental wellness

Despite the recent controversy, Wondermind continues to hold promise as a platform designed to make mental health accessible and engaging for a wide audience. Selena Gomez’s involvement and public advocacy for mental health provide the project with both visibility and credibility.

Celebrity Influence in Mental Health Initiatives

The involvement of high-profile figures like Selena Gomez and Mandy Teefey demonstrates how celebrity influence can amplify awareness around mental health. By leveraging their platforms and personal experiences, the duo has been able to reach audiences that traditional mental health campaigns might not engage.

However, public scrutiny also increases pressure on these initiatives. Allegations, whether true or false, can impact public perception, employee morale, and overall organizational credibility. As such, maintaining transparency, ethical leadership, and clear communication is essential for success.

The Broader Conversation About Mental Health and Media

The coverage of Mandy Teefey’s alleged behavior highlights a broader issue: how media outlets report on mental health and workplace controversies. Articles that focus on sensational allegations can overshadow the positive impact that initiatives like Wondermind aim to achieve.

Mental health organizations and leaders must navigate the delicate balance of transparency, accountability, and protecting their reputations while maintaining the integrity of their work. Public figures, in particular, are vulnerable to amplified scrutiny, which can affect both their personal lives and the organizations they lead.

Next Steps for Wondermind

In light of the recent allegations, Wondermind faces several critical challenges:

Rebuilding Employee Trust: Addressing any internal conflicts and ensuring a safe, professional work environment.
Public Relations Management: Communicating clearly with the public to maintain the credibility of Wondermind.
Financial Stability: Continuing to adapt the business model to ensure long-term sustainability.
Mission Focus: Staying true to the platform’s core mission of providing innovative mental health support.

The organization’s ability to navigate these challenges will likely determine its future trajectory and influence in the mental health space.

Conclusion: Denial and the Road Ahead

Mandy Teefey’s denial of the Ritalin allegations aims to protect both her reputation and the integrity of Wondermind. While anonymous employee claims have stirred controversy, Teefey maintains that the stories are false and motivated by disgruntled staff.

Despite setbacks, the mission of Wondermind remains vital. By offering educational, creative, and community-based approaches to mental wellness, the platform continues to fill a niche in the broader conversation about mental health awareness.

With Selena Gomez’s ongoing advocacy and Teefey’s leadership, Wondermind may continue to evolve, demonstrating that even amid controversy, dedication to mental health support can persevere.

As Teefey stated: