Bella Thorne Says Industry Tried to Pit Her Against Zendaya During Shake It Up

Bella Thorne has reflected on the challenges she faced while starring alongside Zendaya on Disney Channel’s Shake It Up, revealing how the young actresses were pressured into competing against each other.

Speaking on the Aug. 5 episode of the Call Her Daddy podcast, Thorne said the entertainment industry often pits women against one another, adding that she and Zendaya were only 12 years old when they experienced those dynamics. Despite the tension, Thorne recalled a turning point during a Good Luck Charlie crossover episode, when the pair secretly left the set between scenes to have an honest conversation.

According to Thorne, the discussion helped them resolve their differences and became one of the most genuine conversations she had experienced with another girl. She described it as a meaningful moment that strengthened their relationship despite the pressures surrounding them.

Since their Disney Channel days, both stars have built successful careers. Zendaya has headlined major projects including The Odyssey, Spider-Man: Brand New Day, The Drama, and the final season of Euphoria, while Thorne most recently appeared in Find Your Friends (2025).