Hollywood’s golden couple, Tom Holland and Zendaya, have once again found themselves at the center of breakup rumors—this time sparked by a simple social media move that sent fans into a frenzy.
The notoriously private pair, affectionately dubbed “Tomdaya” by their devoted followers, have built a relationship on discretion and mutual respect, carefully navigating the pitfalls of fame while maintaining an air of mystery.
But when Zendaya unfollowed everyone—including Holland—on Instagram in early January 2024, the internet exploded with speculation.
Was this the end of one of Tinseltown’s most beloved romances? Or was there more to the story? Here’s everything we know about their relationship timeline, the recent social media drama, and why Holland’s emphatic denial should put all rumors to rest.
From Co-Stars to Couple: A Love Story Forged in the MCU
Tom Holland and Zendaya first crossed paths in 2016 on the set of Spider-Man: Homecoming, where they were cast as the iconic Marvel duo Peter Parker and Michelle “MJ” Jones. Their on-screen chemistry was undeniable, and fans quickly began speculating that their connection extended beyond the script.
For years, the pair played coy about their relationship status. In 2017, Holland admitted during a press junket that Zendaya was his “first celebrity crush,” but both insisted they were just close friends.
It wasn’t until July 2021 that the truth finally came to light—paparazzi photos captured the two sharing a kiss in a car at a Los Angeles stoplight, confirming what fans had suspected all along.
Despite going public, Holland and Zendaya remained fiercely protective of their private lives. They occasionally offered glimpses of their romance—like Holland’s heartfelt birthday tribute to Zendaya in September 2021 (“My MJ, have the happiest of birthdays”) or Zendaya’s sweet message for Holland’s birthday in June 2022 (“Happiest of birthdays to the one who makes me the happiest <3”). But for the most part, they kept their relationship under wraps.
An insider told Us Weekly in June 2023:
Before they began seeing each other, they had both always been very private when it came to their personal lives. It was something that bonded them in the early stages of their relationship because they were both on the same page when it came to avoiding public speculation.”
The January 2024 Social Media Storm: What Really Happened?
The latest chapter in the Tomdaya saga began in early January 2024 when eagle-eyed fans noticed that Zendaya had unfollowed everyone on Instagram—including Holland. Her following count dropped to zero, sparking immediate panic among fans.
Breakup rumors spread like wildfire, but before the speculation could spiral out of control, Holland stepped in to set the record straight. On January 12, TMZ caught up with the Spider-Man star as he walked through Los Angeles in a bright green hoodie and black baseball cap.
When asked point-blank if he and Zendaya had split, his response was swift and definitive:
“No no no no, absolutely not.”
Zendaya And Tom Holland (Credit: Getty Images)His tone was firm, almost amused by the question, making it clear that the rumors were unfounded.
So, why did Zendaya purge her Instagram follows? While neither star has explicitly addressed the move, the timing offers some clues. Shortly after the mass unfollow, Zendaya posted a promotional image for her upcoming film Challengers, set to release on April 26, 2024.
This suggests that her social media cleanse may have been a strategic reset ahead of a busy press cycle—not a reflection of her relationship status.
A Relationship Built on Privacy and Mutual Respect
Holland and Zendaya have always been vocal about their desire to keep their personal lives out of the spotlight. In a 2023 interview with The Hollywood Reporter, Holland opened up about their approach to fame and love:
“Our relationship is something that we are incredibly protective of and we want to keep as sacred as possible. We don’t think that we owe it to anyone—it’s our thing, and it has nothing to do with our careers.”
Zendaya echoed similar sentiments in a conversation with ELLE, explaining how she balances public and private life:
“Parts of my life, I accept, are going to be public. I can’t not be a person and live my life and love the person I love. But also, I do have control over what I choose to share.”
She added:
“It’s about protecting the peace and letting things be your own but also not being afraid to exist. You can’t hide. That’s not fun, either. I am navigating it more than ever now.”
Their commitment to privacy was tested again in September 2023 when engagement rumors swirled after Zendaya posted an Instagram Story featuring a flashy ring. Rather than let the speculation run wild, she shut it down with humor, writing in a follow-up Story:
“I can’t post anything, you guys. I posted it for my hat. Like not for the ring on my right hand, you guys, seriously… You think that’s how I would drop the news? You think, like, what!”
Why the Unfollow Doesn’t Mean What Fans Think
Zendaya’s decision to unfollow everyone—including Holland—was initially interpreted as a red flag, but context is key. Here’s why the move likely has nothing to do with their relationship:
- She Didn’t Single Out Holland – If she had only unfollowed him, that might have signaled trouble. But since she cleared her entire following list, it’s more likely a personal or professional reset.
- Timing Aligns with Career Moves – The Challengers promo post immediately after suggests a strategic social media shift.
- They’ve Always Been Private – If they wanted to hide a breakup, they wouldn’t draw attention with a dramatic unfollow.
Holland’s immediate denial further confirms that their relationship is still going strong.
Tom Holland and Zendaya have spent years perfecting the art of loving privately in a public world. While fans will always speculate, their actions—and Holland’s firm “absolutely not”—prove that their bond remains unshaken.
The takeaway? Social media moves aren’t always what they seem, and this couple continues to define their relationship on their own terms. As long as they’re happy, that’s all that matters.