Zendaya’s half-sister got treated ‘like a fan’ by her as she fears getting snubbed at Tom Holland wedding
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Zendaya is facing criticism from her half-sister, Latonja Coleman, who has opened up about their strained relationship ahead of the star's wedding with Tom Holland.
Latonja claims she has only seen the actress twice in the past seven years, and during their last meeting, Zendaya treated her like a fan.
Latonja, 51, is Kazembe Ajamu Coleman's eldest child, whom he shares with his high school sweetheart, Michelle Mackintosh.
Zendaya's mother, Claire Stoermer, a teacher, was married to Ajamu Coleman in 2008, when Zendaya was just 12. The couple divorced in 2016 but have maintained a friendly relationship since. Ajamu Coleman also has five other children -- Katianna, Annabella and Kaylee, and sons Austin and Julien -- with his second wife
Latonja’s last meeting with Zendaya and Tom Holland
In an exclusive interview with The US Sun, Latonja shared her emotional fears and thoughts on Zendaya’s fiance, Tom Holland, as well as her last encounter with the star.
Latonja revealed that she last saw Zendaya at her grandmother's funeral on January 17 - her first meeting with the actress since Thanksgiving 2018 at Zendaya’s house.
Reflecting on the reunion, Latonja said, “When I tried to talk to her, she just gave me a one-arm hug. It felt like I was just a fan. Zendaya is very active with my other sister and brother’s kids, but my grandkids don’t even know her. They think she’s just from the Disney Channel.”
Latonja also spoke about meeting Tom Holland during the 2018 Thanksgiving gathering. She recalled, "They've been together for quite some time and I actually met him on Thanksgiving of 2018. He's really, really cool."
She added, “He's down to earth and my family likes him. They just look like an odd couple because he's so short and she's so tall. But other than that, I think he’s the one for her.”
Latonja talks about Zendaya’s healthy bond with her other sister’s and brother’s children
Latonja revealed that while Zendaya is "very active" with the children of her other siblings, she has no relationship with her younger sister.
Latonja also shared that she tried reaching out to Zendaya when she was diagnosed with cancer, but says unnamed family members "slammed the door" on her.
She opened up about her experience, saying, "I went through cancer and chemotherapy all by myself with no help, no support. I just want to know why Zendaya wasn’t there for me. [I believe] they never told her [I had cancer], but I’m sure she found out later."
Latonja blames her father for her estrangement from her siblings
After being sidelined by family members, Latonja now feels like the black sheep of the family.
She holds her father responsible for her strained relationship with Zendaya and for being pushed away by her other siblings, as he raised her during his first relationship.
“He’s the reason I haven’t been able to have a relationship with Zendaya,” she quipped.
She explained, “I don’t even tell people anymore that she’s my sister. I’m ashamed of my dad and how he raised us”
Latonja said, “It feels like I’m the black sheep of the family. They’ve pushed me out. My other siblings don’t care about me, and honestly, I don’t care about them either.”
She added, “But Zendaya is different. She’s my sister, and I love her no matter what”
Latonja concluded with a plea to Zendaya, “I don’t want her money. I just want to be in her life, to show her that I love her and support her. Whatever I can contribute to her life, I would love to do it.”
