Zaya Wade Spills on Dad Dwyane’s “Intimidating” Dating Vibe and Family Support

The spotlight can be pretty intense when you’re the child of a celebrity, especially if that celebrity is none other than Dwyane Wade. Recently, Zaya Wade, Dwyane’s 17-year-old daughter, opened up about her dating life and the dynamics with her superstar dad and stepmom Gabrielle Union in a candid interview with Seventeen. Apparently, when it comes to her love interests, Dwyane takes on the role of the protective father—kind of like a bouncer with a booming voice. “My dad…he tries to scare any person I have interest in,” Zaya admitted. And we can see why: with a 6’4″ frame and presence, Dwyane isn’t exactly the picture of “come hang with us!” But beneath that intimidating facade lies a softer side. “But the facade only lasts so long and you actually see his real personality. He’s a teddy bear,” she sweetly revealed.

While Dwyane might be scary at first, Zaya’s got a solid support system at home, with her stepmom Gabrielle excitedly getting involved in the whole “who’s your crush” debate and dishing out high school gossip. It’s clear this family is all about love and encouragement. Dwyane’s influence on Zaya runs deep, as she shares her father has been a major inspiration in her life. She described him as her “biggest advocate” when she came out as transgender in 2020, providing the kind of unwavering support that any kid would dream of. “Coming out is such a big change. It’s hard to navigate. We’ve all learned more about each other,” Zaya noted, highlighting how they’ve grown as a family in the public eye.

In addition to juggling her own dating life, the family manages their time under the spotlight with grace. Dwyane shares three kids with his ex-wife Siohvaughn Funches and has a daughter, Kaavia, with Union, showcasing a blended family dynamic that thrives on love and support—a refreshing take amidst celebrity culture where drama sometimes overshadows family ties. So while Zaya is figuring out the ins and outs of dating (while dodging her dad’s best “dad voice”), she’s thankful for a family that’s got her back through thick and thin.

Sources: Celebrity Storm Wire and People Magazine, Seventeen, Harper’s Bazaar