After recently making a statement on TikTok about the film adaptation of “Children of Blood and Bone,” author Tomi Adeyemi recently took to social media to discuss the movie once more. This comes after the release of the long-awaited film’s trailer. Adeyemi’s statement was filled with emotion that moved fans, clearly showing that something impactful happened on the set of the movie. Now, fans of the YA fantasy series are more confused than ever on just what exactly occurred during filming.
Tomi Adeyemi’s Powerful Statement
GettyIn a now-deleted Instagram and TikTok post, Adeyemi went into detail about her issues with the production of “Children of Blood and Bone.” In a candid video, she elaborates on her previous posts where she asked not to be associated with the film. She begins the video by expressing that she hopes she won’t have to speak about it anymore. She expressed that what she will share “isn’t a secret to those involved.” Adeyemi continued to say: “It’s a reality I’ve had to live with for about a year and a half. And everyone involved, at least at the highest level, has been made aware of this reality, and they haven’t done anything to make it better. If anything, they’ve only antagonized me, and I accept that.”
While Adeyemi doesn’t actually say exactly what transpired, she doesn’t hold back when expressing the trauma that the filming caused her. “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.”
The “Children of Blood and Bone” Marketing Reaction
This video comes directly after the release of the “Children of Blood and Bone” movie trailer. Many had been tagging Adeyemi in excitement, but that seemed to only be harmful for her. In the last half of her video, she expressed not wanting anyone to involve or mention her regarding the film.
Adeyemi explained that she has made peace with not engaging with the adaptation anymore, but said that people are antagonizing her behind the scenes. “But as it is being marketed, and as I’m still being antagonized behind the scenes, which is where I hoped all of this would stay, it’s become apparent to me that that reality needs to be at least made known so that you guys can understand how this film, which I worked on to make it a little better for us to be alive, is also the worst thing I’ve ever had to live through.”
She continues, saying that she doesn’t wish to speak on the film anymore. Her finishing thoughts are that she doesn’t have anything to say about the movie or the people involved in it.
Adeyemi’s Previous Thoughts on The Adaptation
The trailer, which was released nearly two weeks ago, sparked a lot of fan discussion. While many were reflecting on whether or not the adaptation was faithful to the “Children of Blood and Bone” series, others were reflecting on Adeyemi’s words. Previously, Adeyemi came out to condemn the production and actress Amandla Stenberg in a TikTok post.
In the TikTok, she shared a screenshot of her fan group chat. There, she said: “There’s a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work. That’s all.” She also shared a tense verbal altercation with Amandla Stenberg over text. In these messages, Adeyemi set firm boundaries: “do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. do not text me. do not call me.”
Stenberg has not responded, nor has any member of the cast or production of “Children of Blood and Bone.”
Since Adeyemi’s statement, she has not said anything further about the film adaptation. “Children of Blood and Bone” will release on January 15th 2027.
