Zendaya’s half-sister Latonja Coleman has accused her of neglecting their family in an incendiary new interview ahead of the star’s wedding to Tom Holland.
Latonja shares a father, Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, with Zendaya from a previous relationship.
In an exclusive with U.S Sun, the eldest sister revealed that she has only seen Zendaya, 28, once in the last seven years. The most recent interaction was at their grandmother’s funeral on January 18.
She described their last interaction as icy. “When I tried to talk to her, she just gave me a one-arm hug. It felt like I was just a fan.” Latonja added that her grandchildren are unaware of their famous aunt, quipping, “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.”
Coleman, the actress’ manager, was in a relationship with Latonja’s mother decades before he met his ex-wife, Claire Stoermer – Zendaya’s mom.
Latonja, who resides in Roseville, California, said she met Holland, 28, at Thanksgiving 2018, the last time she saw Zendaya until their grandmother’s funeral in January.
The five half-siblings Latonja shares with Zendaya are from her father’s second relationship, which happened after Latonja was born, but before he met Stoermer.
Latonja, Coleman’s eldest child, expressed how she was “really happy” for her superstar half-sister.
“They’ve been together for quite some time and I actually met him on Thanksgiving of 2018. He’s really, really cool,” Latonja said.
“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.”
She also told the outlet she has not maintained a relationship with her half-sister but wants to “be in her life, to show her that I love her and support her.”
“I don’t even tell people anymore that she’s my sister. I’m ashamed of my dad and how he raised us.
“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.”
Family rift
Latonja said she maintained relationships with some of their shared half-siblings, but not Zendaya.
“I tried to get in touch with Zendaya when I was diagnosed with cancer, but [family members] slammed the door on me,” she claims.
“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 said she feels like the “black sheep” because she’s from her father’s first family, and claims to have been “pushed out” because she came before the “other kids.”
“My dad favored the other kids, not his own blood,” she added
“He’s the reason I haven’t been able to have a relationship with Zendaya.
“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.”