Selena Gomez's Wondermind Startup Faces Financial Crisis, Misses Payroll, Lays Off Staff

Selena Gomez's mental health startup, Wondermind, is experiencing significant financial difficulties, including unpaid wages to employees, freelancers, and vendors since March. Despite Gomez's billionaire status and reported multi-million dollar investments in the company, Wondermind laid off nine of its 15 employees amid the crisis. Mandy Teefey, Gomez's mother and Wondermind CEO, was reported to have taken out a loan against her home to cover payroll, though some sources suggest Gomez herself infused funds to manage the situation. The company has acknowledged the payment issues, describing them as growing pains typical of startups, and stated the situation has been rectified with outstanding debts being addressed. Employees have received some back pay and severance, but concerns remain over unpaid health insurance premiums and vendor debts amounting to tens of thousands of dollars. Wondermind plans to transition into a new phase to continue its mission of promoting mental fitness despite these challenges.