Author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly announced a significant rift with actress Amandla Stenberg and revealed her decision not to watch the upcoming film adaptation of Adeyemi's 2018 debut novel, "Children of Blood and Bone." Adeyemi, who sold the rights to her fantasy novel in 2017 and was involved as an executive producer and co-writer, shared her feelings on TikTok.
"There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That's all," Adeyemi wrote on the platform. She further stated, "I have not seen the film, and I will not watch it. It's been painful holding this back from you all... And I'm sorry if any of you thought I didn't care about US. More than any glitter."
The author also shared a screenshot of a text exchange from February 28, 2025, allegedly with Stenberg. In the exchange, Stenberg reportedly wrote, "My only hope was to reconnect as human beings." Adeyemi responded by stating, "Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again." She then blocked Stenberg's contact, adding, "Do not text me. Do not call me."
Stenberg, 27, is set to portray Princess Amari in the film. The movie, based on Adeyemi's New York Times bestselling novel, is scheduled for release in U.S. theaters on January 15. The cast also includes Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, and Damson Idris, with appearances from Viola Davis, Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Regina King, and Lashana Lynch.
In a past interview with Blavity, Stenberg recalled an emotional meeting with Adeyemi, who told her that Stenberg's role as Rue in "The Hunger Games" and the racist remarks she faced inspired Adeyemi to write the "Children of Blood and Bone" series. "That inspired me to write this series, so that Black girls like you and Black girls of all shades could have a story written about them," Adeyemi reportedly said, leading to tears from both.
Adeyemi, a Harvard graduate, reportedly earned seven figures for the film rights to her debut novel in 2017. She had previously shared behind-the-scenes content from the film's set with her TikTok followers and was slated to make a cameo in the movie.
Reps for Paramount Pictures, Adeyemi, and Stenberg did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Daily Mail.
Meanwhile, Adeyemi's next novel, "The Siren," is scheduled for publication on September 29. Stenberg is also slated to appear in the animated fantasy film "Wildwood," which is set to be released in U.S. and UK theaters on October 23.