Antonia Teixeira, wife of Lemonheads frontman Evan Dando, publicly addressed allegations that Dando sent unsolicited explicit images to a fan, confirming he has entered treatment for mental health and substance abuse issues. Teixeira’s statement, released on social media on February 17, 2026, came after reports surfaced of the incident involving a fan identified only as “Dawn” on journalist Tony Ortega’s Substack, The Underground Bunker.
According to Teixeira, Dando was “struggling with heavy drinking, prescription drug abuse, and a serious mental health episode” in the weeks leading up to the alleged incident. She stated that during this period, he “engaged in inappropriate online exchanges,” believing he was participating in “consensual sexual messaging,” a belief she emphasized “does not excuse his behavior.” Teixeira apologized to the fan, stating, “No one deserves to receive unwanted sexual content, and I am sincerely sorry for the distress this caused.”
The allegations center around an exchange that began in October 2025, when “Dawn” contacted Dando via social media to congratulate him on the release of Love Chant, the Lemonheads’ first album of original music since 2006. Dando allegedly responded, “Cool I’m sorry I’m an exhibitionist,” and subsequently sent an unsolicited explicit video.
Dando was admitted to a hospital in Brazil, where the couple resides, prior to the allegations becoming public, according to Teixeira. She revealed that the couple had recently traveled to Recent York City for a performance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon on January 20, and a scheduled Tiny Desk concert with NPR in Washington, D.C., which Teixeira said was cancelled because Dando was “totally out of his mind” that day.
Teixeira expressed anger and betrayal, stating, “I’m extremely mad, because he betrayed me.” She indicated she believes the video was sent to the wrong recipient, suggesting Dando was experiencing a “mental meltdown” and does not recall the incident.
In her statement, Teixeira emphasized the importance of continued treatment for Dando, stating, “I have made it clear that continuing treatment is essential, and I will craft decisions that protect myself if he does not follow through.” She acknowledged the complexity of the situation, adding, “I am not defending his actions. They hurt me deeply. At the same time, I believe addiction and mental illness can lead to destructive behavior that requires accountability and professional facilitate.” She expressed hope for “both responsibility and compassion as he takes steps toward recovery.”
Evan Dando, 55, married Brazilian filmmaker Antonia Teixeira, the daughter of musician Renato Teixeira, in February 2025. The couple had been dating since 2022, having initially met in the 1990s. Teixeira is also a mother of three children.
