Tomi Adeyemi, author of ‘Children of Blood and Bone’ says, film became worst experience of her life

Tomi Adeyemi has spoken publicly about her experience working on the film adaptation of her bestselling fantasy novel Children of Blood and Bone, describing the production as "the worst thing I have ever had to live through." The author shared her account in a five minute video posted on social media on July 29, saying she had remained silent for more than a year before deciding to address what she described as an extremely painful chapter in her career.

Adeyemi, who also co wrote the screenplay for the adaptation, said the difficulties extended well beyond her time on set. According to the author, she left production "hyperventilating and sobbing" before returning to the United States, where she said she experienced severe panic attacks and physical symptoms that convinced her she would never be able to watch the completed film.

She explained that the situation had already been communicated to senior figures connected with the project, saying those involved at the highest level had been aware of her concerns for around a year and a half. Adeyemi claimed that no meaningful effort had been made to improve the situation and alleged that she continued to face antagonism behind the scenes even as marketing for the film gathered momentum.

In the video, Adeyemi said she had no intention of revealing every detail surrounding the production. Instead, she focused on the emotional impact the experience had on her wellbeing. She said remaining silent had become increasingly difficult and believed speaking publicly would help people understand why she no longer wished to discuss the adaptation.

"I never want to hear about this project again," Adeyemi said in the video. She added that she was trying to move forward and did not wish to continue speaking about the people involved in making the film.

Representatives for Adeyemi, Paramount Pictures and director Gina Prince Bythewood did not immediately issue public responses following her remarks. As of now, no party connected with the production has publicly addressed the specific allegations raised in the author's statement.

The renewed attention also follows an earlier online exchange involving actor Amandla Stenberg, who portrays Princess Amari in the adaptation. Earlier in July, Adeyemi shared and later removed social media posts that appeared to show messages distancing herself from Stenberg. The posts attracted widespread attention after previous discussions surrounding the actor's casting, which had already generated debate among some readers of the novel. Stenberg had previously responded to criticism by saying she carefully considered the role and believed representation across different skin tones remained important within the entertainment industry.

Despite speculation surrounding those posts, Adeyemi did not identify any individual as the source of her distress in her latest video. She also did not explain what specific incidents took place during production, choosing instead to focus on the emotional consequences she says followed her involvement with the adaptation.

Children of Blood and Bone is based on Adeyemi's acclaimed 2018 novel, the first instalment in her young adult fantasy trilogy inspired by West African mythology. The film adaptation features a high profile cast and is scheduled for theatrical release on January 15.