Selena Gomez’s billionaire status has been hotly debated, but here’s the real story. Despite early claims she’d hit the ten-figure mark, Forbes now estimates her net worth at $700 million — far short of billionaire territory. Let’s break down why the numbers don’t add up.
While her makeup line Rare Beauty brought massive success, reports differ wildly on its actual value. Bloomberg initially claimed the brand pushed her net worth to $1.3 billion in 2024, but Forbes disputes these figures, using stricter valuation methods that account for market volatility and realistic profit margins. Gomez owns about 51% of Rare Beauty — a stake that likely falls short of billionaire status under Forbes’ conservative math.
Gomez co-founded mental health startup Wondermind in 2021, but the company has faced severe financial issues. Payroll failures, layoffs, and reports of her mother taking out personal loans to keep it afloat have tanked its credibility. Forbes notes Gomez’s limited involvement in daily operations, reducing her perceived stake’s value despite her co-founder title.
While Gomez earns millions from deals with Puma, Coach, and social media sponsorships, these are one-time payments or short-term contracts. Unlike Rihanna’s equity-heavy Fenty Beauty deal, Gomez’s endorsements don’t provide lasting wealth growth needed for billionaire status.
Forbes applies rigorous standards, excluding inflated projections and unproven revenue streams. They prioritize verifiable assets and stable equity — areas where Gomez’s portfolio falls short compared to self-made billionaires like Taylor Swift, whose Eras Tour revenue is concrete and recurring.
The bottom line? Media hype inflated Gomez’s net worth, but hard financial realities — and Forbes’ no-nonsense approach — keep her out of the billionaire club.
