Zendaya’s half-sister, Latonja Coleman, has opened up in a heartfelt interview, accusing the star of neglecting their family, just ahead of her highly anticipated wedding to Tom Holland.
The 51-year-old, who shares the same father with the actress, expressed feelings of being left out, claiming she hasn’t seen her famous sibling in years and was treated like a mere fan during their last encounter.
Latonja’s Frustration Over Family Disconnect
In an exclusive chat with The US Sun, Latonja revealed that her relationship with Zendaya has been strained for years, explaining that she last saw her at their grandmother’s funeral in January.
She described the encounter as cold, with Zendaya offering a brief one-arm hug and little to no effort to engage in conversation.
“It felt like I was just a fan,” Latonja explained.
“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 shared her struggle of being diagnosed with cancer and going through chemotherapy without support from Zendaya.
She believes that her sister wasn’t even told about her illness and feels the family’s lack of communication deepened the emotional distance between them.
Family Tensions and the Absence of a Sisterly Bond
Latonja, the eldest child of Kazembe Ajamu Coleman (Zendaya’s father), feels that she has been pushed out of the family due to her father’s first relationship with Michelle Mackintosh.
With Zendaya coming from his second marriage, Latonja believes she has always been considered the “black sheep” of the family.
Despite these differences, Latonja said that she still loves Zendaya but is no longer proud to tell others that they are sisters.
She placed much of the blame on her father’s approach to family dynamics and upbringing.
“I just want to be in her life,” Latonja pleaded. “I don’t want her money.
I just want to show her that I love her and support her, whatever I can contribute to her life.”
Zendaya’s Public Life and Relationship with Tom Holland
While Zendaya’s family dynamics appear strained, the actress has publicly shared her joy in her personal life.
She is set to marry her longtime partner, Tom Holland, and the couple’s relationship has been the subject of many heartwarming reports.
An insider revealed that Tom, known for his old-fashioned approach, sought permission from Zendaya’s family before proposing, showing how deeply committed he is to her.
Zendaya and Tom, who have been together since 2021, live in a cozy $3.7 million home in Richmond, London.
The couple appears grounded despite their fame, with reports suggesting that they prefer a simple life away from the public eye.
According to sources, Zendaya has been vocal about her plans for the future, including her desire to start a family with Tom.
The couple is determined to raise their children without relying on nannies, wanting to embrace a traditional family dynamic.
Zendaya’s Public Image and Family Support
Zendaya has frequently spoken about her role as a loving aunt to her nieces and nephews, and it’s clear she values family despite the challenges she faces within her own.
In an interview last year, she referred to her younger relatives as her “borrowed children” and emphasized how important it is to have a strong family foundation.
However, despite her close relationship with her other siblings and nieces, Latonja feels isolated and unheard, especially during tough times like her cancer battle.
As Zendaya prepares to marry Tom and step into a new chapter of her life, the tension with her half-sister Latonja lingers in the background.
Whether this will impact Zendaya’s relationships with her family remains to be seen, but for now, the star seems focused on her love life and upcoming wedding.
DailyMail.com has reached out to Zendaya’s representatives for comment on these allegations.