Author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly denounced the film adaptation of her bestselling novel Children of Blood and Bone and told its lead actress Amandla Stenberg to never 'use [her] name' again in a dramatic development shared on TikTok.
Adeyemi's TikTok reveals severed ties
On July 5, 2026, the 32-year-old Nigerian-American author posted a video on TikTok responding to fan questions about why she no longer posts about the adaptation. The video included screenshots of Instagram messages she sent to unidentified recipients, dated June 25, 2026, stating: 'there is a reason i will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. that is all.' She also directed fans to purchase her books from independent bookstores.
Another screenshot showed a message Adeyemi sent to Stenberg 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 confirmed Adeyemi had blocked the contact. A partial visible reply from Stenberg said: 'My only hope was to reconnect as human beings.'
Author refuses to watch the film
Adeyemi concluded her TikTok with messages to a group chat viewed by 1,600 people, saying: 'i have not seen the film, and i will not watch it.' She added: 'it's been painful holding this back from you all. i will always care about US. more than any glitter.'
The Children of Blood and Bone novel, published in 2018, received one of the biggest YA publishing deals ever. Paramount Pictures acquired film rights in 2022, with a star-studded cast including Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Cynthia Erivo, Damson Idris, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Thuso Mbedu as Zélie Adebola. Stenberg plays Princess Amari.
Fans react with confusion
Fans expressed bewilderment, with @soheebby asking: 'Why the sudden change? you were a big defender, what happened?!?' @sayyida.al.hurra wrote: 'it's giving messy', and @caityn_n commented: 'I'm very confused'. Adeyemi replied to one follower: 'I do not mind anyone going to watch the film. I wrote this for us. I fought for us. I'm just laying down my sword and officially separating my name because I can't keep being hurt and attacked behind the scenes.'
Previous colourism backlash and Stenberg's response
Last year, Stenberg posted a TikTok responding to colourism accusations after being cast as Amari, who is described as having 'dark copper skin' in the book. She claimed Adeyemi supported her, saying Adeyemi told her that racist remarks Stenberg faced as Rue in The Hunger Games inspired the series. Stenberg has since deleted that video.
This is not the first time Adeyemi has distanced herself from the project. Earlier, she reportedly became dissatisfied with Lucasfilm's pace and requested to serve as a scriptwriter, which was declined. The rights later lapsed and were acquired by Paramount. In December 2023, Gina Prince-Bythewood was announced as director, further developing the script Adeyemi was approved to write. The film is scheduled for US release on January 15, 2027.
Paramount Pictures and reps for Amandla Stenberg have been contacted for comment.
