Zendaya has always seemed like Hollywood’s girl-next-door — effortlessly glamorous yet approachable.
Since gaining fame with her role in Spider-Man and eventually meeting her British fiancé, Tom Holland, she’s maintained an image of being grounded and relatable.
But recently, a surprising and unsettling revelation came from an unexpected place: her half-sister, Latonja Coleman.
Latonja Claims Neglect During Her Cancer Battle
Latonja, who shares the same father as Zendaya, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, spoke out about what she perceives as years of neglect from the actress.
The 51-year-old accused Zendaya of not being there for her when she faced cancer.
In a candid interview, Latonja shared, “I tried to get in touch with Zendaya when I was diagnosed with cancer, but family members slammed the door on me.
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.”
These claims are shocking, considering Zendaya’s public image as someone who values family and has credited her upbringing and large family for much of her success.
A Complex Family Dynamic
Latonja’s story paints a picture of a fractured family dynamic that may have contributed to the distance between her and Zendaya.
While Zendaya is the only child from her parents’ marriage, Latonja is from her father’s previous relationship with Michelle Mackintosh.
Zendaya has spoken in the past about her close bond with her older half-siblings, describing them as her inspiration.
But Latonja has never been mentioned in Zendaya’s public statements about her family.
Their father, Kazembe, had six children from his previous relationships, but it seems Latonja has been pushed out of the picture.
She went as far as to call herself the “black sheep” of the family and suggested that Zendaya’s relationship with her father created a rift between them.
Family Tensions and a Frosty Reunion
The two sisters had not seen each other for years until they met at their grandmother’s funeral in January of this year.
Latonja recalled the encounter, stating, “When I tried to talk to her, she just gave me a one-arm hug.
It felt like I was just a fan.” The chilly reception seemed to confirm her fears that Zendaya might be distancing herself from her.
This public fallout seems to have prompted Latonja to speak out, especially as she worries that this ongoing tension might prevent her from being included in Zendaya’s upcoming wedding.
Although Latonja expressed her love for her sister, she admitted that she was unsure how to rebuild their relationship.
Zendaya’s Reputation Under Scrutiny
Zendaya has always been known for her close-knit family, often crediting them for her success.
But these new revelations put a more complicated spin on that image.
Zendaya’s fans, especially her devoted followers on social media, may be shocked by Latonja’s claims.
For years, Zendaya has maintained a public stance of being grounded and supportive of her family, but these accusations suggest there is more to the story.
As Latonja continues to speak out, the question remains: How will Zendaya respond? Given her fiercely private nature, it’s likely this revelation will remain a sensitive topic for the actress.
In the meantime, Latonja seems determined to express her feelings, even if it means challenging the image of her sister that millions of fans have come to admire.b