Additional Coverage:
- Tomi Adeyemi says she left set of film adaption of her ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ in tears, is being ‘antagonized’ (nbcnews.com)
Author Tomi Adeyemi Opens Up About Difficult Experience on “Children of Blood and Bone” Film Set
Tomi Adeyemi, author of the bestselling novel “Children of Blood and Bone,” has revealed the emotional toll she endured during the production of the film adaptation of her book. In a heartfelt TikTok video posted Wednesday, Adeyemi described leaving the movie set in tears and struggling with severe anxiety and physical pain afterward.
Though she did not disclose specific details about the challenges she faced on set, Adeyemi shared that the experience left her “hyperventilating and sobbing,” a moment witnessed by many involved in the project. She admitted to suffering “such severe somatic pain and so many panic attacks” upon returning to the United States, to the point where she made peace with the fact that she would never be able to watch the completed film.
Adeyemi, who co-wrote the screenplay for the Paramount film, expressed frustration that despite her efforts to improve the adaptation, she continues to face antagonism behind the scenes. She emphasized that the pain she endured is “not a secret” to those involved at the highest levels, but that no meaningful action has been taken to address it.
The film, directed by acclaimed filmmaker Gina Prince-Bythewood and featuring a high-profile cast including Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis, is scheduled for release in January. Adeyemi’s comments come amid ongoing controversy, including a reported rift between her and actress Amandla Stenberg, who plays Princess Amari in the adaptation. Screenshots of a group chat posted by Adeyemi earlier this month appeared to show a confrontation between the two, with Adeyemi instructing Stenberg not to use her name in interviews or contact her.
Stenberg has faced criticism over her casting related to allegations of colorism, which she addressed in a now-deleted TikTok video last year, affirming her commitment to representation and sensitivity regarding skin tone in the entertainment industry.
Adeyemi concluded her video by stating that she wishes to move on from the project and has no further comments on those involved in making the film. However, she acknowledged that her public presence and the global nature of the movie may keep the conversation alive.
Representatives for Adeyemi, Stenberg, Paramount, and director Gina Prince-Bythewood have not provided immediate responses to requests for comment.