NEW YORK CITY — Tomi Adeyemi, author of the novel "Children of Blood and Bone," shared messages on TikTok detailing her relationship with the film adaptation of her book and indicated she will no longer associate with the project. Adeyemi stated, "There is a reason I will not post anything about the adaptation of my work."

Adeyemi shared screenshots of messages allegedly sent to Amandla Stenberg in February 2025. One message Adeyemi shared, allegedly from her, read: "Do not ever use my name in an interview or video again. Do not text me. Do not call me." She also shared a screenshot of a message allegedly from Stenberg stating, "My only hope was to reconnect as human beings." Adeyemi subsequently blocked Stenberg as a contact.

Adeyemi also stated that she has not seen the film and will not watch it. She indicated a desire to distance herself from the production, saying, "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." Adeyemi clarified that she does not mind if people watch the film. "I do not mind anyone going to watch the film. I wrote this for us. I fought for us. I'm just laying down my sword and officially separating my name because I can't keep being hurt and attacked behind the scenes."

The novel "Children of Blood and Bone" was released in 2018 and is the first book in the Legacy of Orïsha series. It debuted at number one on the New York Times Young Adult bestsellers list. Adeyemi was named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 list. She said her core desire in writing the book was to create stories where Black teenage girls were represented. "That was my experience as a child. Children of Blood and Bone is a chance to address that. To say you are seen."

The film adaptation is produced by Paramount and is scheduled to premiere on January 15, 2027. Gina Prince-Bythewood directed the film, and Adeyemi co-wrote the screenplay with Prince-Bythewood. Adeyemi sold the rights to the first book of the "Legacy of Orïsha" trilogy and signed on to executive produce the film adaptation. Amandla Stenberg is cast as Princess Amari. Other cast members include Thuso Mbedu, Tosin Cole, Damson Idris, Cynthia Erivo, Lashana Lynch, Regina King, Idris Elba, Chiwetel Ejiofor, and Viola Davis.