Bestselling author Tomi Adeyemi has described the upcoming film adaptation of her book Children of Blood and Bone as 'the worst thing I have ever had to live through' in a new video statement. She also said she 'never wants to hear' about the project again, alleging she was 'antagonised behind the scenes'.
Adeyemi speaks out again
Adeyemi, who co-wrote the screenplay and serves as an executive producer, previously said she would not watch the film and appeared to block the lead actress, telling her never to 'use my name' again. Now, as the trailer launches with a cast including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Lashana Lynch and Chiwetel Ejiofor, Adeyemi has shared more details.
In a video posted to Instagram from her bathroom, she began: 'What I’m about to share is not a secret to the people involved. It’s a reality that I’ve had to live with for about a year and a half, and everyone involved, at least at the highest level, has been made aware of this reality, and they haven’t done anything to make it better. If anything, they’ve only antagonised me, and I accept that.' She added: 'But I also accept if I don’t say something, I think it’s just going to be worse.'
Allegations of set distress
Adeyemi alleged that she left the set 'hyperventilating and sobbing' and claimed she is 'still being antagonised behind the scenes'. She stated: 'I’m not going to speak on what I endured to make it through the young adult trilogy, and I’m not going to speak about everything that I also suffered through or endured to make the adaptation a reality. I’m actually only going to speak about what happened after I left that set of my own film adaptation, hyperventilating and sobbing. There are many witnesses, so it’s not really a secret.'
Voice breaking, she continued: 'I came back to America and suffered such severe somatic pain and so many panic attacks. I knew it was so bad that I would never ever be able to watch this film, and I made peace with that. But as it is being marketed, and as I am still being antagonised behind the scenes – which is where I hoped all of this would stay – it’s become apparent to me that that reality needs to at least be made known, so that you guys can understand how this film, which I worked on to make it a little better for us to be alive, is also the worst thing I have ever had to live through.'
Previous TikTok and messages
Earlier in July, Adeyemi shared a now-deleted TikTok with screenshots of messages she sent to unidentified Instagram recipients, urging support for her book trilogy. One message from June 25 said: 'There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That is all.' Another screenshot suggested a feud with star Amandla Stenberg, as Adeyemi messaged her on February 28, 2025: 'Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me.' An iPhone notification showed 'You blocked this contact.' A fraction of Stenberg's previous message read: 'My only hope was to reconnect as human beings.'
Last year, Stenberg posted a TikTok responding to colourism backlash, claiming Adeyemi supported her casting. She said Adeyemi told her that her role as Rue in The Hunger Games inspired the series. Stenberg has since deleted that video.
Adaptation details and background
The film, directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, stars Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola, with Amandla Stenberg as Princess Amari. The story is set in an African fantasy kingdom. The book deal with Paramount is considered one of the biggest YA publishing deals. Adeyemi previously told Metro in 2018 that she wanted Viola Davis and Idris Elba in the film. The movie is scheduled for release on January 15, 2027.
