Selena Gomez turns heads at an event despite financial woes tied to mental health startup

Selena Gomez continues to dazzle in the spotlight, even as controversy brews offstage. The singer and actress made a stunning red carpet appearance at Upfront presentation in New York on Tuesday, effortlessly brushing off a wave of negative press surrounding her finances and her mental health startup, Wondermind.

Wearing a show-stopping black gown with a thigh-high slit and a sleek hairstyle, Gomez smiled confidently alongside her 'Only Murders in the Building' co-stars, Steve Martin and Martin Short. Her poised presence came just hours after 'Forbes' released a report challenging earlier claims that placed her in the billionaire club.

Billionaire status debunked, Wondermind under scrutiny
According to Forbes, Selena’s estimated net worth is closer to $700 million, not the $1.3 billion that Bloomberg previously reported in 2024. The publication also shed light on growing financial turbulence at Wondermind—a mental wellness brand co-founded by Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and entrepreneur Daniella Pierson in 2021.

Citing internal sources, the article detailed how the company allegedly delayed multiple payments to both employees and freelancers, cut down on staff, and accrued unpaid debts reportedly worth tens of thousands of dollars. More shockingly, it claimed Mandy Teefey had to take out a personal loan against her own home in an effort to stabilize the startup, while Selena has personally invested millions to keep the venture afloat.

While Gomez is said to have little involvement in the startup’s daily operations, the financial pressure surrounding Wondermind has inevitably raised questions about the stability of the brand. A spokesperson for Wondermind responded to Forbes, calling the recent issues “growing pains” and confirming that all outstanding problems had now been “resolved.”

Career momentum remains unstoppable
Despite the chaos, Selena remains unfazed in public. With her acting career flourishing—thanks to the success of 'Only Murders in the Building' and her beauty brand Rare Beauty continuing to dominate the cosmetics industry, the 32-year-old is keeping her focus on what she does best.