Evan Dando, the longtime frontman of The Lemonheads, is currently receiving treatment in Brazil following a series of troubling incidents, including allegations that he sent unsolicited explicit videos to a fan.
His wife, Antonia Teixeira, has spoken publicly about the events leading up to his hospitalization, offering a deeply personal account of what she describes as a spiraling mental health crisis compounded by substance use. According to his wife, an episode of NPR’s Tiny Desk featuring Evan Dando will not be broadcast, as the taping coincided with what she says was a severe episode of instability.
A Difficult Trip to the U.S.
Earlier this year, Dando and Teixeira traveled from São Paulo to the United States for a string of professional appearances. The Lemonheads were scheduled to perform on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon in January, followed by a taping of NPR’s popular Tiny Desk concert series in Washington, D.C.
It was during this visit, Teixeira says, that his behavior began to shift dramatically. She recalls feeling alarmed by what she described as erratic and disoriented conduct during the Tiny Desk session.
“He was completely out of control that day,” she shared, explaining that the situation was so serious the performance is not expected to air. NPR has declined to comment on the matter, and representatives for Dando have also remained silent.
Escalation After Returning to Brazil
After returning home, Teixeira says Dando’s behavior became increasingly unpredictable. She alleges that one particularly alarming incident involved him consuming a combination of Adderall, THC, and psychedelic mushrooms before sending explicit videos to multiple women through social media platform X.
When she discovered the messages, she says she immediately took him to a treatment facility in Brazil, where he is now receiving care for mental health and substance-related issues. Teixeira has reportedly made it clear that completing treatment — which she believes will require at least 30 days — is essential if their marriage is to continue.
She described feeling deeply hurt and betrayed, though she also believes her husband may not have fully understood his actions at the time. In her view, he was experiencing a mental breakdown and later expressed embarrassment upon learning what had happened.
A History of Struggles and Recent Milestones
Dando has been candid in the past about his struggles with addiction. In his memoir, Rumors of My Demise, he detailed years of substance use involving heroin, cocaine, and amphetamines. He entered rehab in late 2021 and stepped away from harder drugs, though he later acknowledged continuing to drink alcohol and use certain other substances.
Professionally, the past year had marked a resurgence. The Lemonheads released Love Chant, their first full-length studio album in nearly two decades, and Dando had been preparing for a summer tour that has since been canceled amid the current crisis.
Teixeira described what she believes may have been a moment of “self-sabotage,” coming at a time when his career appeared to be regaining momentum. For years, she says, she felt responsible for monitoring his alcohol intake and prescription medication use, even keeping certain substances locked away. Now, she hopes this hospitalization represents a turning point where he takes personal accountability.
A Hope for Healing
Despite the emotional strain, Teixeira expressed cautious optimism. She views this period as a second chapter in Dando’s recovery journey — one where he actively chooses healing rather than relying on others to manage his sobriety.
“If he’s truly committed,” she said, “he can do it.”
She remains hopeful that with sustained treatment and personal responsibility, this difficult chapter could ultimately lead to lasting stability and growth.
If You Need Help
If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health challenges or substance use, help is available. In the United States, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) offers free, confidential support 24/7 via its national helpline at 1-800-662-HELP or through its official website.
For those seeking assistance related to sexual harassment, assault, or abuse, RAINN provides confidential support around the clock via phone at 800-656-HOPE, text (64673), or online chat.