Zendaya Gives A Mic Drop Response To Criticism Of Her Age Gap With Co-Star John David Washington

Zendaya wants everyone to know that she’s an adult now AND to get over it amid the ongoing criticism about the age gap between her and co-star John David Washington.

Okay, she didn’t exactly put it like that, but that’s pretty much what she meant.

In case you didn’t know, the pair currently star in Netflix’s next flick Malcolm & Marie, which will start streaming on February 5. In the black-and-white romantic drama, the 24-year-old actress plays the on-screen love interest of the 36-year-old. Unfortunately, the new movie already has some harsh critics on social media. Many fans have expressed some concerns over the co-star’s 12-year age difference, so much so that the starlet took the time to address the controversy.

In an interview with E! News, the former Disney Channel star believed the upset comes over the fact that she has played a teenager for most of her career, saying:

“I’ve played a 16-year-old since I was 16. You have to remember, also, people grew up with me as a child. It’s like watching, I guess, your younger sibling now, you know, they’re grown… So it’s hard for people to wrap around the idea that I am grown in real life. You know, even though I do play a teenager on television still.”

Speaking with People, the Euphoria lead shared similar sentiments, explaining:

“People often forget — which is understandable because I’ve been playing 16 since I was 16, you know — [but] I am grown. I knew that, as I grow and as I evolve, there would be that moment where I could play someone my own age.”

You tell them, girl!

In a recent interview with Variety, the Tenant actor also addressed the age gap criticism, expressing:

“I wasn’t concerned about it because she is a woman. People are going to see in this film how much of a woman she is. She has far more experience than I do in the industry. I’ve only been in it for seven years. She’s been in it longer, so I’m learning from her. I’m the rookie.”

Denzel Washington’s son further added that he leaned on her a lot while filming, confessing:

“I appreciated her wisdom and discernment when it comes to this business. I admire that. What I’m really excited for people to see when the film is released. They’re going to see how mature she is in this role.”

Ch-ch-check out the full film trailer (below):