Allegations of Drug Use Against Mandy Teefey at Wondermind: A Detailed Look
Overview of the Allegations
Selena Gomez’s mother, Mandy Teefey, aged 49, has faced serious accusations of drug use at the workplace of Wondermind, the mental health startup she co-founded with Gomez and Daniella Pierson in 2021. These claims, reported in a September 3, 2025, exposé by The Cut and covered by outlets like Us Weekly and The Hollywood Gossip, stem from anonymous former employees who allege Teefey exhibited erratic behavior, including drug use and intoxication at the office. Teefey has vehemently denied these accusations, calling them “lies” spread by “disgruntled employees.”
Specific Claims
According to The Cut and other sources, the allegations include:
- Ritalin Use: One employee claimed Teefey was seen snorting what was believed to be a “line of Ritalin” in the Wondermind office in West Hollywood.
- Benadryl Injections: Former staff reported that a “rotation of nurses” administered vitamin IV drips allegedly containing liquid Benadryl, which Teefey said were needed for “allergies and the aftermath of severe COVID and double pneumonia.” Employees noted she appeared drowsy and spoke slowly after these injections.
- Erratic Behavior: Teefey reportedly sent muddled texts to employees on September 29, 2023, claiming an intruder was in the office, which some attributed to a possible Benadryl-induced hallucination. She was also said to sleep in the office for days, raising concerns, especially when her younger daughter, Gracie (aged 12), was present for sleepovers.
- Company Mismanagement: Employees suggested Teefey was unfit to lead Wondermind, with one source claiming Selena Gomez was aware her mother was “not well enough” to run the company, per The Hollywood Gossip.
Teefey’s Response
Mandy Teefey issued a strong denial to Us Weekly on September 4, 2025, stating, “Absolutely nothing alleged in this article happened.” She accused “a few disgruntled employees with an ax to grind” of spreading falsehoods and expressed disappointment that the media amplified these claims. Teefey emphasized her commitment to Wondermind’s mission to support mental health, saying, “I started Wondermind because I wanted to help people with mental illness.”
Context: Wondermind’s Struggles
Wondermind, launched to provide mental health resources through media and education, faced significant challenges by 2025:
- Financial Distress: In May 2025, Forbes reported that Wondermind laid off 60% of its staff and struggled to pay employees, with Teefey taking loans against her home to keep the company afloat.
- Leadership Tensions: Employees noted Teefey’s insistence on distancing Wondermind from Gomez’s celebrity, which some saw as counterintuitive given Gomez’s influence via Rare Beauty and her public mental health advocacy (The Cut).
- Operational Issues: The startup’s ambitious goal to “destigmatize” mental health struggled with execution, leading to perceptions of mismanagement under Teefey’s leadership.
Selena Gomez’s Involvement
Selena Gomez, 33, has not publicly addressed the allegations against her mother. Sources cited in The Cut claim Gomez was aware of Teefey’s alleged issues, with one employee recalling Gomez finding her mother in a disheveled state at the office, asking, “How long have you been here?” Despite this, Gomez’s focus remains on her career, including her engagement to Benny Blanco and recent projects like Only Murders in the Building and Emilia Pérez (The Hollywood Gossip, National Geographic).
Impact on Stakeholders
- Employees: Former staff expressed concern for Teefey’s well-being and Wondermind’s mission, with some believing Gomez should have intervened. The layoffs and financial woes have fueled discontent, potentially driving the allegations.
- Public Perception: Posts on X reflect skepticism about the claims, with users like @GossipGuru questioning the credibility of anonymous sources and @SelenaFan noting Gomez’s silence as strategic to protect her brand.
- Mental Health Advocacy: The allegations risk undermining Wondermind’s credibility as a mental health platform, especially given Gomez’s public struggles with bipolar disorder and lupus (Variety, National Geographic).
Expert and Public Reactions
- Experts: Legal and PR analysts, like those cited in Daily Mail, suggest Teefey’s denial aims to protect Wondermind’s mission and Gomez’s reputation. Crisis management expert Brett Miller notes that such exposés often rely on unverifiable claims, complicating accountability.
- Public Sentiment: X posts show divided opinions. Some, like @TruthSeekerX, call the allegations “tabloid fodder,” while others, like @HollyScoop, speculate about internal dysfunction at Wondermind, citing the layoffs.
Critical Analysis
The accusations lack concrete evidence, relying on anonymous sources, which weakens their credibility. Teefey’s explanation of medical needs (e.g., Benadryl for post-COVID recovery) is plausible, and her denial aligns with her role as a mental health advocate. However, the timing of the exposé, amid Wondermind’s financial struggles, suggests possible motives from former employees. The claims also echo broader tabloid narratives about Gomez’s own rumored drug issues, which she has consistently denied, attributing rehab stints to lupus and mental health (Billboard, Inquisitr).
Future Outlook
- Wondermind’s Fate: The company’s “new chapter” promised in May 2025 (Forbes) may hinge on addressing these allegations transparently. Gomez’s involvement could stabilize the brand, but her silence suggests a focus on personal projects.
- Teefey’s Role: Continued scrutiny may pressure Teefey to step back, though her financial stake (loans against her home) makes this unlikely.
- Gomez’s Brand: Gomez’s reputation as a mental health advocate (National Geographic) remains intact for now, but prolonged controversy could impact Rare Beauty and Wondermind’s credibility.
Conclusion
The allegations of hard drug use against Mandy Teefey at Wondermind, including snorting Ritalin and receiving Benadryl injections, have stirred controversy but lack verified evidence. Teefey’s firm denial and the context of Wondermind’s financial struggles suggest a mix of disgruntled employee claims and media amplification. While the accusations raise questions about leadership and workplace culture, they have not been substantiated, and Gomez’s silence keeps the focus on Teefey’s response. As Wondermind navigates its challenges, transparency will be key to preserving its mission and public trust.