Nationwide — Zendaya’s mom, Claire Stoermer, has spoken out after seeing harsh comments about her appearance online, calling the criticism “sad and frustrating.” The 62-year-old shared her thoughts on Instagram after a post about her looks appeared on her feed. While she admits that some of the comments were hurtful, she said she has learned not to let online criticism affect her mental health. She said she completely understands why some people choose to step away from Instagram to protect their mental health. Although she read some of the comments directed at her, she said she did not allow them to become personal. “And thank goodness I don’t take that s*** personally. Once upon a time I may have,” she wrote, according to the Daily Mail. She added that she knew she would have struggled more with such comments when she was younger.
Her response centered on the idea of not allowing other people’s words to define someone. To explain her approach, she referred to the “four agreements,” a set of personal principles that includes the idea of not taking things personally. She pointed out that other people’s comments are not necessarily about the person receiving them. For her, that mindset has helped her deal with criticism without allowing it to damage her confidence.
The former teacher has also remained an important influence in her daughter’s life. Zendaya has previously spoken about watching her mother work in underfunded schools in Oakland, California. In a 2016 interview with Teen Vogue, she recalled how her mother encouraged students to explore education, the arts, Shakespeare, and the natural world. She credited those experiences with helping her develop a strong appreciation for education. She has also previously praised both of her parents for teaching her values that she carries with her.
Stoermer and Zendaya have maintained a close relationship over the years. Zendaya’s parents, Stoermer and Kazembe Ajamu Coleman, divorced when she was a child, but the actress has said the two remain close. Coleman also played a role in managing her career during her early Disney Channel years. Stoermer has since focused on her own jewelry business, Kizzmet Jewelry, and Zendaya has been seen wearing pieces from the brand.
The family has also spoken about their diverse heritage. Zendaya has Scottish and German ancestry on her mother’s side and African American ancestry on her father’s side. Stoermer has previously said her daughter is proud of her Scottish roots and would likely enjoy visiting Scotland someday. For now, Stoermer’s latest Instagram message focused on something much closer to home: refusing to let strangers’ comments about her appearance determine how she feels about herself.