LOS ANGELES — Best-selling author Tomi Adeyemi has publicly cut ties with the upcoming Paramount Pictures film adaptation of her young adult fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone, revealing that an on-set incident led to her abrupt departure and describing the production as “the worst thing I have ever had to live through.”
In an emotional video shared to TikTok, Adeyemi—who co-wrote the film’s screenplay alongside director Gina Prince-Bythewood—stated that she left the production set “hyperventilating and sobbing” and has been antagonized by producers in the months following.
Emotional On-Set Departure and Health Toll
While Adeyemi refrained from disclosing the specific details of what transpired during filming, she noted that “there are many witnesses” to her departure and explained that the physical and psychological aftermath made it impossible for her to remain involved.
“I came back to America and suffered such severe somatic pain and so many panic attacks, and I knew it was so bad that I would never ever be able to watch this film, and I made peace with that,” Adeyemi said in her statement. “As it is being marketed, and as I am still being antagonized behind the scenes… 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… is also the worst thing I have ever had to live through.”
She added that while she had hoped to keep the rift private, the film’s marketing rollout made staying silent more painful.
Tensions with Cast and Producers
Adeyemi’s public statement follows weeks of fan speculation regarding her distance from the high-profile feature, which stars Viola Davis, Regina King, Cynthia Erivo, and Amandla Stenberg.
Earlier in July, Adeyemi shared apparent screenshots of a text exchange with Stenberg—who plays Princess Amari in the film—in which the author wrote: “Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me,” before blocking the actress. Adeyemi subsequently confirmed she has not watched the movie, will not attend its premiere, and will not participate in promotional efforts.
- Studio Response: Representatives for distributor Paramount Pictures and director Gina Prince-Bythewood did not immediately respond to requests for comment regarding Adeyemi’s statements.
- Future Focus: Adeyemi emphasized that she intends to move on from the project entirely as she prepares for the release of her upcoming standalone fantasy novel, The Siren.
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