Evan Dando, the lead singer of the seminal alternative rock band The Lemonheads, has been admitted to a hospital for mental health treatment. This medical intervention follows a series of troubling allegations involving the distribution of unsolicited sexual content to a fan, as reported by Variety.
On Friday, February 13, a representative for the grunge icon confirmed his hospitalization, explaining that Dando has faced psychiatric challenges since his youth. The statement clarified that he is currently under the care of specialized medical professionals and mental health experts to receive comprehensive support.
The news broke shortly after an anonymous fan shared her experience with journalist Tony Ortega on his Underground Bunker Substack. The individual, referred to as “Dawn,” claimed she had sent a congratulatory message to Dando regarding his latest project, Love Chat. According to the report, the brief interaction took a disturbing turn when Dando allegedly sent her a video of himself engaging in a sexual act.
While Dando’s team has addressed his current medical status, they have not yet issued a formal response to the specific accusations of misconduct.
Residing in Brazil with his wife, Antonia Teixeira, Dando has been remarkably transparent about his lifelong battle with substance abuse. In his 2025 memoir, Rumors of My Demise, he detailed his experiences with addiction and his eventual departure from hard drugs like heroin and cocaine following a 2021 rehab stint. However, in a candid interview with The New York Times last year, he admitted that he does not adhere to total sobriety, stating, “I don’t believe God meant us to be sober,” and noted his continued use of cannabis and other substances.
These recent developments arrive at a significant moment for Dando’s career. The Lemonheads recently released Love Chat, their first collection of original music in nearly two decades. Discussing his longevity in the music industry, Dando previously described his persistence as a “dogged refusal to give up,” characterizing it as a deeply human quality.
If you or someone you know has been impacted by sexual harassment or abuse, support is available. Contact RAINN at 800-656-HOPE or via their 24/7 online hotline for confidential assistance.
