Selena Gomez’s Mom Mandy Teefey Accused of Snorting Ritalin at Work: The Shocking Truth Behind Wondermind’s Downfall

As a seasoned journalist, I’m here to dissect the explosive allegations surrounding Selena Gomez’s mom, Mandy Teefey. The facts are in: Teefey has been accused of snorting Ritalin in the office of her mental health startup, Wondermind, which she co-founded with her famous daughter. But what’s behind these shocking claims, and what do they reveal about the darker side of the wellness industry?

Mandy Teefey, 49, has been at the center of a media storm following an exposé by The Cut, which featured anonymous allegations from former Wondermind employees. According to these sources, Teefey would sometimes get “intoxicated” in her office, which one staffer described as a “drug den.” Another employee claimed to have witnessed Teefey snorting what they believed was a “line of Ritalin” at the company’s New York City headquarters.

The allegations don’t stop there. Former employees also alleged that a “rotation of nurses” would regularly visit the office to provide Teefey with “vitamin IV drips” containing Benadryl, which she reportedly needed to deal with allergies and the aftermath of severe COVID and double pneumonia in 2021. However, employees claimed that after these injections, Teefey would speak slowly and seem drowsy.

Teefey’s younger daughter, Gracie, 12, would occasionally visit the office for sleepovers, which reportedly worried employees. At least one former staffer alleged that Selena Gomez, 33, was aware of her mom’s struggles, stating, “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.”

In response to the allegations, Teefey has vehemently denied the claims, stating that the incident involving Ritalin “absolutely” never occurred. She told Us Weekly, “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.” Teefey also expressed disappointment that the media was willing to amplify these claims.

Wondermind, which Gomez and her mother co-founded with Colombian-American entrepreneur Daniella Pierson in 2022, was designed to be a multimedia platform offering mental health support. At its launch, Teefey described the platform as a “one-stop shop for all aspects of mental fitness,” aiming to strike a balance between education, media, and self-reflection.

However, the company has faced significant challenges. In May 2025, Wondermind was forced to lay off approximately 60% of its staff due to financial issues. A company spokesperson told Forbes that the layoffs were part of a transition into a “new chapter” for Wondermind.

As the dust settles on this scandal, one thing is clear: the wellness industry is not immune to controversy and scrutiny. With the rise of mental health awareness, companies like Wondermind have a responsibility to prioritize transparency and accountability. As we continue to follow this story, one question remains: what’s next for Wondermind, and how will this scandal impact the future of mental health support?

That wraps up today’s analysis. Stay informed, stay critical, and follow the facts.

Sources: Celebrity Storm and The Cut, Us Weekly, Forbes, New York Post
Attribution: Creative Commons Licensed