Tomi Adeyemi says she left film set of adaption of her ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ in tears

Tomi Adeyemi, the bestselling author of Children of Blood and Bone, revealed in a recent TikTok video that she left the film set of its adaptation in tears. In the emotionally charged post, released on Wednesday, Adeyemi described leaving the set in a state of distress, hyperventilating and sobbing. While she refrained from detailing specific incidents, she emphasized that her experience on the set was deeply painful. Adeyemi stated that she had endured significant challenges during the production of the film, which is based on her critically acclaimed novel. She explained that after leaving the set, she returned to the United States and experienced severe physical symptoms and frequent panic attacks. These effects were so profound that she resolved never to watch the finished film. However, she expressed concern over how the film is currently being promoted and the ongoing tensions behind the scenes, which she claimed should not remain hidden. The film, produced by Paramount Pictures, is scheduled for release in January and is directed by Gina Prince-Bythewood, with a stellar cast featuring Cynthia Erivo, Idris Elba, and Viola Davis. Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay for the film. She has previously mentioned that she will not watch the final product due to her experiences on set. NBC News reached out to Adeyemi for further comments and additional context regarding her claims. Both Paramount and Prince-Bythewood have yet to respond to requests for comment. Earlier this month, Adeyemi posted a now-deleted TikTok that included screenshots of a private group chat involving herself and actress Amandla Stenberg, who plays Princess Amari in the film. In the message, Adeyemi reportedly told Stenberg not to use her name in interviews or videos, not to contact her via text or phone, and to block her. Stenberg, who faces criticism over her casting due to allegations of colorism, addressed these concerns in a previously deleted TikTok video. In it, she spoke about her training for the role and acknowledged the importance of representation in media. She emphasized that she would not pursue roles without considering their implications for her identity and visibility in the industry. A representative for Stenberg has not responded to requests for comment. Adeyemi, in her latest video, indicated that the issues surrounding the production are not unknown to those involved. She noted that she has lived with these realities for approximately 18 months and that those at the top levels of the production have been informed. Despite this, she felt that efforts to improve the situation were lacking, and instead, she believed she had been further antagonized. She accepted this outcome but stressed the need to speak out to prevent the situation from worsening. Adeyemi concluded her remarks by stating that she wished to remain silent about the project moving forward, emphasizing that she would not want to hear any more about it. Her comments highlight the complex dynamics and personal struggles associated with bringing a beloved literary work to the screen, particularly under the pressures of high-profile expectations and public scrutiny.