Tomi Adeyemi has described the adaptation of her young adult novel Children of Blood and Bone as “the worst thing I’ve ever had to live through”, saying she left the Paramount film set hyperventilating and sobbing. Her comments matter because she co-wrote the screenplay for the high-profile production, yet says the experience caused severe panic attacks and physical distress and that she will not watch the finished film.

In a TikTok video, Adeyemi said senior figures involved had known about her concerns for around 18 months but had not improved the situation, instead allegedly continuing to antagonise her. The dispute appears to include tension with actor Amandla Stenberg, who plays Princess Amari, while director Gina Prince-Bythewood has described the film as Nigeria-inspired and inclusive of the wider diaspora; its cast includes Viola Davis, Idris Elba, Regina King and Cynthia Erivo.