Zaya Wade Says Dad Dwyane Tries to 'Scare Away' Any Person She's Into — But Admits the 'Facade Only Lasts for So Long'

Mar. 15, 2025

Zaya Wade.Photo:Alex G. Harper for Seventeen

Alex G. Harper for Seventeen

DatingZaya Wademeans meeting her dad,Dwyane Wade— and she knows he can be intimidating.

“They’re really cool about it,” she shares. “Me and my stepmom love to dish the dirt and tap into the high school gossip. She gets excited for me when I’m like, ‘Oh, I like this person.'”

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Zaya Wade.Alex G. Harper for Seventeen

While her parents are okay with her dating and even want to meet the people she’s into, Zaya shares that her dad does try to scare away any potential suitors.

“My dad…he tries to scare any person I have interest in. He’s kind of intimidating,” Zaya admits. “The people I’ve dated have all been afraid of him in the first interaction. He’s gigantic and has this deep, booming voice.”

“But the facade only lasts for so long and you actually see his real personality,” she reveals. “He’s a teddy bear.”

Dwyane shares two kids,Zaire, 22, andZayawith his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches, and a sonXavier, 11, with Aja Metoyer. He shares daughter Kaavia, 6, with Union and is also the legal guardian of his nephew, Dahveon Morris, 21.

Speaking toHarper Bazaarfor their Icons for 2023 series, Zaya shared thather father influences herthe most. “My dad is who truly inspires me the most,” she told the publication.

“Kids always tend to look up to their parents, but not only did I idolize him growing up and see him as a real person, I realize that he has played such an essential role in supporting me and the ways I choose to present myself to the world.”

“He’s been so supportive and my biggest advocate. He took the time and learned and grew. I want to have that same mentality going through anything in life,” said Zaya, who came out as transgender in 2020.

“Coming out is such a big change. It’s hard to navigate. We’ve all learned more about each other and the way we can coexist and grow together in this crazy world, especially in the public eye.”

“It’s like a spotlight is always on you. At the end of the day though, we are a family, and we support and love each other and we are grateful,” she concluded.

source: people.com