Selena Gomez’s mom Mandy Teefey is hitting back after a male investor allegedly made a remark that diminished her achievements.
Teefey, 48, shared her experience via Instagram on Monday, March 10, recalling how she was in a business meeting when the investor suggested that giving birth to Gomez, 32, was her biggest accomplishment.
“Hello, all my female entrepreneurs! Quick lesson, if someone ever discredits you, even with a proven track record, be kind to yourself and let it motivate you,” Teefey began her post, sharing a throwback photo of her holding Gomez as a baby.
“Fundraising for your dream can take the life out of you and instill false doubt. I have given my all for everything I have and especially Wondermind. I have hurdles to jump for many different reasons, but this one made me laugh,” she continued.
Teefey wrote, “I had a pitch, we nailed it, I was the only woman in the pitch. The investor went on and on about the other players and looked at me and said, ‘And Mandy, you gave birth to Selena.’ I took a minute and just laughed while saying,’Yes, hell yes I did and [Gomez’s sister] Gracie and [13] Reasons Why and Wondermind and I must say, that’s a bigger accomplishment [than] being charismatic.’”
“‘I’m a mom, CEO and co-founder to a company that is made to better people’s life,’” the entrepreneur continued. “Don’t try to shame me or downplay motherhood. I’m quite happy with how my life turned out. I hope he gets happy with his and learn to respect all people and not Bro out to get the courage to attempt an insult. Missed the mark, my guy.”
Teefey gave birth to Gomez when she was just 16 years old and served as the singer and actress’ manager early in her career. Since then, Teefey has partnered with Gomez to executive produce Netflix’s 13 Reasons Why through her production company, Kicked to the Curb, and cofounded the mental health organization Wondermind with her daughter.
“We hope to be the one-stop shop for all aspects of mental fitness. We have taken an unexpected and innovative chance on the way people can understand and participate in a creative foundation to show anyone that a shift is possible,” Teefey said in an April 2022 press release announcing Wondermind. “Far from medical or preachy, we’ve struck a balance between education, media and self-reflection that truly inspires growth.”
“Every person has their own mental health journey. If we ignore them, glamorize them or hide them from the world, it doesn’t change that the journey is very real,” added Gomez. “Wondermind is extending a larger mental health conversation that began for so many during this pandemic.”
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