Pop superstar and entrepreneur Selena Gomez is pushing back against allegations that she misled investors in a mental health startup she co-founded, calling the claims “frivolous” and demanding that she be removed from the lawsuit.

The dispute centres on Wondermind, a mental health platform launched in 2021 by Gomez, her mother Mandy Teefey, and entrepreneur Daniella Pierson.

Five investors claim they were persuaded to invest nearly $1.2 million after being told that Gomez’s global fame and massive social media influence would help drive the company’s growth.

According to the investors, Gomez’s involvement was presented as a major part of Wondermind’s value, with claims that the singer and actress would actively help market and build the brand.

However, Gomez’s legal team has rejected the accusations, arguing that the claims against her are weak, unclear and unsupported.

Her lawyer, Matthew Rosengart, said the allegations were “threadbare” and insisted Gomez never agreed to manage the company or take on the responsibilities investors are now claiming she promised.

“The claims against her are meritless if not frivolous,” Rosengart said, adding that the legal team is exploring further options, including possible sanctions against the plaintiffs.

The lawsuit now places increased attention on Gomez’s mother, who remains involved in the case alongside Wondermind and another co-founder.

The controversy comes as Gomez continues to expand her business empire. The former Disney star has built a successful beauty brand, Rare Beauty, while maintaining careers in music, film and television.

Business experts say celebrity-backed companies can face unique challenges, especially when personal relationships and business responsibilities overlap.

Crisis communications expert Lauren Beeching warned that family-run celebrity businesses require stronger structures because personal trust can sometimes replace formal business safeguards.

“Define everybody’s responsibilities, bring in independent oversight, and decide what happens if something goes wrong before something goes wrong,” she said.

Despite the legal battle, analysts believe the case may not significantly damage Gomez’s public image, noting that her strongest fan base is more focused on her entertainment career and personal brand.

For now, Gomez is fighting to separate her celebrity status from the claims, insisting that her name was unfairly pulled into a business dispute she says she should not be part of.