Subhechcha Ganguly 
Global pop icon and actress Selena Gomez is under fire after reports surfaced that her mental health startup, Wondermind, is facing a severe financial crisis—leading to delayed salaries, reduced employee benefits, and controversy around unpaid debts.
According to a report by Forbes, Wondermind—co-founded by Gomez alongside her mother Mandy Teefey and businesswoman Daniella Pierson—is reportedly being financially supported by Teefey, who allegedly told staff she had to take out a loan against her home to help repay the company’s debts. While an insider later told People that this claim is false, the story has already sparked heavy backlash online.
Forbes stated that although employees have since received one delayed paycheck, another remains pending. The company has also reportedly cut back on staff health benefits amid growing financial instability.
In a statement to Forbes, a Wondermind spokesperson acknowledged the turmoil, saying: “Like many startups, Wondermind has been working through its own set of growing pains. In the coming days, we will be transitioning into a new chapter for Wondermind, and continuing our important work in mental fitness that helps hundreds of thousands of people.”
The situation has struck a nerve online, with critics calling out Gomez’s perceived lack of involvement. Despite being listed by Bloomberg last year as a billionaire with an estimated net worth of $1.3 billion, Gomez has been criticized for not stepping in financially to stabilize the company she co-founded.
Social media reactions were swift and scathing. On Reddit, one user remarked, “Billionaires billionaring again,” while another commented, “It’s ridiculous Selena started this company and can’t even be bothered to meet or pay her employees.”
Another user echoed the sentiment: “If she’s that invested in the charity she should just fund it. If she’s not, then give the employees plenty of notice and wind it up. Not paying them is unacceptable.”
As Wondermind promises a “new chapter,” all eyes remain on how Gomez and her team will respond—not just to the financial troubles, but to the growing public scrutiny over the handling of a company built around mental health advocacy.
