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FKA Twigs to Star as Josephine Baker in Biopic

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FKA Twigs to Star as Josephine Baker in Biopic

The world of cinema is about to be graced with a powerhouse collaboration, as acclaimed singer-songwriter FKA Twigs has been tapped to portray the legendary Josephine Baker in an upcoming biopic. This thrilling project, directed by the immensely talented Maïmouna Doucouré, will bring the trailblazing life and revolutionary impact of Josephine Baker to the big screen.

FKA Twigs, known for her genre-defying artistry and captivating performances, is “honored to collaborate with the immensely talented Maïmouna Doucouré on this incredible project.” The avant-garde artist expressed her deep admiration for Josephine Baker, stating, “Josephine Baker’s extraordinary legacy is such an inspiration to me and to so many people around the world. She lives on in our hearts as a visionary, ground-breaking woman whose story is as powerful as it is relevant today. I cannot wait to embody Josephine Baker, bringing her fight, her love, her losses, her talent and her heroism to the big screen.”

Josephine Baker’s life story is a testament to the power of resilience, activism, and artistic brilliance. Born in Missouri in 1906, she overcame the harsh realities of racism and sexism to become a global icon, captivating audiences worldwide with her electrifying performances, impeccable style, and unapologetic advocacy for civil rights. From her trailblazing days as a dancer and entertainer in Paris to her heroic efforts as a spy for the French Resistance during World War II, Josephine Baker’s legacy continues to inspire and empower people around the globe.

The casting of FKA Twigs in this role is a testament to the industry’s growing recognition of the importance of authentic, nuanced representations of Black icons. The singer’s avant-garde sensibilities and profound connection to her own identity as a Black woman make her the perfect choice to capture the essence of Josephine Baker’s revolutionary spirit. As the biopic begins filming this fall, Black Cosmopolitans can look forward to witnessing a truly groundbreaking cinematic experience that will honor the life and legacy of one of our most cherished icons.

What People Are Saying About FKA Twigs as Josephine Baker

The casting announcement has sparked a passionate online conversation, with fans, critics, and culture commentators weighing in across social media and entertainment forums. The reactions are split — and loud.

The Supporters

Many fans are celebrating the choice, pointing to FKA Twigs’ deep artistic connection to Josephine Baker. Supporters note that the singer paid tribute to Baker at the 2025 Met Gala, where her Black dandyism-themed look was directly inspired by the icon. As Twigs herself put it in an interview around that night, “There is no diamond that could have outshone the one inside Josephine’s chest.” Fans say that level of reverence is exactly what the role requires.

Others point to her dance background, her experience in films like Honey Boy and The Crow, and her willingness to take on emotionally complex roles as proof she can carry a biopic of this scale.

The Skeptics

Not everyone is on board. A vocal section of fans on Black entertainment forums and social media have raised concerns, with reactions ranging from cautious to brutal:

  • “Lynn Whitfield played Josephine Baker so well, looked very much like her, and captured her essence. No one can top that performance, period,” one commenter wrote, referencing the beloved 1991 HBO film The Josephine Baker Story.
  • “Sick of British Black actresses playing American icons,” another fan posted, echoing a recurring debate about Hollywood casting Black British performers in roles based on African American historical figures.
  • “She’ll play her how Zoe played Nina Simone,” one user warned, referencing the controversial 2016 Nina Simone biopic and the worry that the film won’t capture Baker’s joy and exuberance.
  • “Hire a Black actress challenge: Hollywood version,” another commenter joked — a sentiment that’s been widely shared and reposted.
  • Some suggested alternative picks, with names like Tessa Thompson, Ruth Negga, and Nathalie Emmanuel being floated as actresses who could have suited the role.

The Middle Ground

A third camp is reserving judgment until the trailer drops. As one fan put it: “The article says they are in talks. It does not say she has been cast.” Others noted that the project being endorsed by Baker’s biological sons, Jean-Claude and Brian Bouillon Baker, and the Rainbow Tribe carries real weight — and that the family’s blessing should count for something.

One nuanced take making the rounds: “I assume she was cast because of her dancing abilities… we’ll see.” For now, the internet is watching closely.

Get ready to be captivated by the magic of FKA Twigs as she steps into the shoes of the legendary Josephine Baker. This biopic promises to be a powerful, thought-provoking, and visually stunning celebration of a true trailblazer whose impact continues to resonate with audiences worldwide.

Viral AI Photos Put Michael Jackson’s Chimp Front and Center

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Viral AI Photos Put Michael Jackson’s Chimp Front and Center

The internet has been running wild with images claiming Jaafar Jackson visited Bubbles, Michael Jackson’s famous former pet chimpanzee, but the Florida sanctuary that cares for Bubbles says those photos are completely fake. According to the Center for Great Apes, the viral images were generated with artificial intelligence and do not show a real visit.

The sanctuary, located in Wauchula, made it clear that no such meeting has taken place. Staff said the actor, who is portraying Michael Jackson in the upcoming biopic “Michael,” has never visited the facility. They also explained that while he would be welcome in the future, their organization does not allow public interactions or staged encounters with the chimpanzees and orangutans in their care.

That clarification matters because interest in Bubbles has picked up again thanks to the new film, where the chimp is expected to appear through CGI. But the Center for Great Apes is drawing a firm line between public curiosity and animal welfare. Their focus, they said, is on giving the animals a safe, stable environment rather than turning them into attractions.

Bubbles has long been part of pop culture history. He became closely associated with Michael Jackson in the 1980s and was often seen with the singer before eventually being moved out of domestic life. Since 2005, he has lived at the sanctuary in a protected social group, where staff describe him as gentle and social despite his size and strength.

The story is also a reminder of how quickly AI-generated content can blur reality, especially when it involves high-profile names and nostalgia-heavy moments tied to Black music history. As attention builds around the biopic, people are being urged to separate internet fantasy from fact when it comes to Jaafar Jackson and the legacy surrounding Michael Jackson’s world.

Walmart Brings Back Cashiers in Philly

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Walmart Brings Back Cashiers in Philly

Walmart is testing a checkout experience in South Philadelphia that feels like a throwback for some shoppers and a welcome shift for others. At this location, the retailer has moved away from relying heavily on self-checkout and is instead sending most customers through traditional cashier-staffed lanes.

According to reports, this South Philadelphia store is the only one among the company’s five Philadelphia locations using this setup right now. A limited number of self-checkout stations are still available, but mainly for Spark drivers picking up delivery orders. For everyday customers, the change means more face-to-face interaction at the register and less of the scan-and-bag-it-yourself routine that has become common at big-box stores.

The company says this is not a nationwide rollback but a decision shaped by what works best in that specific neighborhood. A spokesperson said the move was based on customer and associate feedback, local shopping habits, and the business needs of the community. While many retailers have quietly scaled back self-checkout because of theft concerns, that was not the reason cited here. Instead, the focus was framed around improving the checkout experience and creating more personalized service.

At the same time, the retailer is looking ahead in a bigger way. The chain plans to remodel more than 650 stores in 2026, including dozens in Pennsylvania. Those updates are expected to bring refreshed layouts, expanded services, and upgraded technology aimed at making pickup and delivery faster. The company has also floated the possibility that some orders could arrive within an hour, signaling how much convenience still drives its strategy even as some stores rethink in-person shopping flow.

For a lot of Black and brown shoppers, small changes like this can shape whether a store feels efficient, frustrating, or genuinely welcoming. Seeing Walmart lean back into human interaction at the register hits differently at a time when so much of retail feels impersonal. Whether this becomes a wider trend or stays a local experiment, it says a lot about how communities still want technology to serve people, not replace them.

Nat King Cole Cancer: What Really Happened

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Nat King Cole Cancer: What Really Happened

Nat King Cole remains one of those artists whose voice feels timeless, which is why a viral claim about his final days has caught so much attention. The story making the rounds says he found out about his lung cancer because doctors leaked the diagnosis to the press, but the fuller picture is much more intimate and heartbreaking than that.

By late 1964, the legendary singer had already been dealing with serious health issues after years of heavy smoking. He had lost weight, was suffering from severe back pain, and eventually collapsed after a performance in Las Vegas. Once he was admitted to St. John’s Hospital in Santa Monica, doctors discovered a malignant tumor on his left lung. From there, his condition became increasingly difficult to keep out of public view.

What often gets lost in the retelling is the role Maria Cole played during those final months. She was not trying to keep him in the dark as much as she was trying to protect his peace. According to accounts later shared in the PBS documentary about his life, she understood how closely he followed television and newspapers and wanted to shield him from the spectacle that often comes with celebrity illness. That distinction matters, especially when sensational versions of history flatten deeply human moments into gossip.

There is no solid evidence that doctors intentionally leaked his diagnosis or that he first learned the truth from media reports. What seems more likely is that the reality of his illness slowly became public as performances were canceled and his hospitalization stretched on. In January 1965, he underwent surgery to remove his entire left lung. Even in the face of that enormous physical toll, those close to him remembered his grace and quiet dignity.

The final days of Nat King Cole speak less to scandal and more to the tenderness that can exist inside a family facing the unimaginable. For a BlkCosmo audience, that truth hits deeper than any viral rumor: behind the icon was a Black family trying to hold on to privacy, love, and dignity in the middle of public life.

Dua Lipa Sues Samsung Over Tech Theft Claims

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Dua Lipa Sues Samsung Over Tech Theft Claims

Dua Lipa is not playing around. The chart-topping pop star has filed a lawsuit against tech giant Samsung, alleging they copied key parts of her acclaimed ‘Future Nostalgia’ world tour.

Dua Lipa went all out for her 2022 arena tour — transforming stages into vibrant, futuristic playgrounds with dazzling visuals, interactive tech and jaw-dropping choreography. Fans were left in awe, praising the show as a true ‘sensory experience.’

But now, the ‘Don’t Start Now’ hitmaker claims Samsung ripped off parts of her innovative production for their own events and product launches. In the lawsuit filed this week, Dua’s team alleges the tech company ‘brazenly copied’ her tour’s distinct creative elements without permission or credit.

The suit cites specific design features, including a large LED screen shaped like Dua’s album cover, interactive floor projections, and a ‘holographic’ video effect. Samsung’s events are said to have utilized strikingly similar visuals and tech setups, down to the color schemes and staging layouts.

This isn’t the first time Dua has had to defend her creative work. Last year, she successfully fought off claims that her hit song ‘Levitating’ was a rip-off of another artist’s track. Now, the pop diva is ready to take on one of the world’s biggest tech conglomerates.

“Dua pours her heart and soul into every aspect of her live shows,” a spokesperson for the singer said in a statement. “She won’t stand by and let a major corporation steal the innovative work of her and her team.”

The lawsuit is still in its early stages, but Dua’s fans are already rallying behind her. Many have taken to social media to express their outrage, vowing to boycott Samsung products until the issue is resolved.

We’ll be keeping a close eye on this developing story. Stay tuned to BlkCosmo for all the latest updates on Dua Lipa’s legal battle with Samsung.

MAGA Governor in California? Democrats Panic

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MAGA Governor in California? Democrats Panic

Steve Hilton is emerging as one of the biggest names in California’s governor’s race, and that alone has a lot of Democrats on edge. In a state that’s long been treated like solid blue territory, the idea that a proudly Trump-aligned candidate could make a serious run for the top office feels less like a political fluke and more like a warning sign about how shaky party confidence can get when the field is crowded and the strategy is messy.

What’s fueling the anxiety is California’s top-two primary system, where the two highest vote-getters advance to the general election no matter their party. That means if too many Democratic candidates split the vote, two Republicans could slip into the final matchup even in a state where Democrats usually dominate statewide politics. Add in another MAGA-friendly contender like Riverside County Sheriff Chad Bianco, and suddenly the conversation shifts from “California would never” to “California actually might.”

For Democratic insiders, the fear goes beyond one race. A November ballot without a Democratic option for governor could depress turnout, frustrate core voters, and create ripple effects down the ballot in legislative and congressional contests. It could also hand conservatives a major symbolic win in a state that has often positioned itself as a political counterweight to Trump-era policies on immigration, labor, education, healthcare, and the environment.

The larger truth here is that California has always been more politically mixed than the national stereotype suggests. Coastal cities may drive the image of a progressive stronghold, but inland regions and even parts of Los Angeles County tell a different story. There is a real conservative base in the state, and a noticeable chunk of it is fully aligned with MAGA politics. That reality helps explain why Steve Hilton is being taken seriously instead of dismissed as political theater.

For Black and brown communities especially, this race is a reminder that no state is too blue to ignore organizing, turnout, and coalition-building. Political labels can create comfort, but comfort is not the same as protection. When voters get complacent and parties get arrogant, the consequences can land hardest on the same communities already fighting to hold the line on basic rights, resources, and representation.

Kevin Hart & Katt Williams End Beef at Netflix Roast

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Kevin Hart & Katt Williams End Beef at Netflix Roast

What was supposed to be another night of roast-style chaos turned into one of the most talked-about moments of the event when Kevin Hart and Katt Williams shared the stage for a reunion fans never thought they would actually see. After years of public tension, the surprise appearance instantly shifted the energy in the room and gave the audience a front-row seat to something that felt equal parts sincere, shady, and made for live TV.

Hart leaned into the moment by addressing their long-running issues head-on, telling the crowd that despite everything, he had always been a fan. He extended a direct olive branch, telling Williams: “Katt, we have an opportunity in real time to put our beef behind us. I am offering an olive branch of peace. Katt, I wanna move on… can we move on?” The audience erupted. For a second, it looked like the two comedians were really about to close a chapter that has followed them for years.

Then Katt took the mic and reminded everybody exactly what kind of stage they were on. Instead of keeping things soft, he slid right back into roast mode with sharp jokes aimed at Hart, including a jab about Diddy parties that quickly got the crowd reacting. He admitted he did not see the invitation coming and even framed himself as one of Hart’s longtime enemies, which made the whole exchange feel even more layered.

Just when the moment started to resemble a real reconciliation, Hart flipped it. After embracing Williams and talking about friendship, he told the audience the heartfelt exchange was just acting and joked that it might be the best performance of his career. That twist brought the room right back to roast territory and reminded everyone that in comedy, vulnerability and trolling can live in the same breath.

For fans watching, the exchange was more than a funny clip. It was a reminder of how public feuds, pride, and performance often overlap in entertainment, especially when two major Black comedians share the same stage. Whether it was healing, theater, or a little of both, Hart and Williams gave the culture a moment people will be unpacking for a while.

Will Halle Berry Spill the Tea on Michael?

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Will Halle Berry Spill the Tea on Michael?

Fans are wondering if Halle Berry will every spill the tea on The infamous Micheal Jackson Call and was there ever a date.
https://www.facebook.com/100063965143458/posts/1451219313686893

‘Eternal 8’ Funeral Shocks the City

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‘Eternal 8’ Funeral Shocks the City

The Eternal 8 became the heartbreaking center of national attention after a funeral in Shreveport brought together grieving families, city leaders, and supporters from across the country to honor eight children whose lives were cut short in a mass shooting. Inside Summer Grove Baptist Church, eight white caskets stood as a painful reminder of just how devastating this loss has been for one family and one community.

The children, ranging in age from 3 to 11, were remembered through the small details that make young lives so unforgettable: nicknames, favorite moments, playful energy, and the kind of love that fills up a house. Their mothers sat in the front row carrying a level of grief no parent should ever have to face, especially after losing multiple children at once. Family members and mourners showed up in bright colors, surrounded by flowers, balloons, and memorial displays that reflected the joy these children brought into the world.

The service was both intimate and public, with local officials and national figures acknowledging that this tragedy reaches far beyond Louisiana. Speakers reflected on the children as sons, daughters, classmates, and friends, while also naming the larger pain so many communities feel when gun violence steals lives before they have a chance to fully begin. The presence of leaders, advocates, and supporters made clear that this was not just a local funeral, but a moment of collective mourning.

Music, prayer, and emotional words from clergy gave the families space to sit with impossible questions. One of the heaviest truths of the day was that the children were killed by someone who had once been part of their own family circle, deepening the shock and trauma surrounding the case. As the investigation continues, the funeral became less about answers and more about love, memory, and the struggle to keep going after unimaginable loss.

After the service, horse-drawn carriages carried the caskets to the cemetery, and doves were released into the sky in one final gesture of peace. Shreveport leaders promised the children would not be forgotten, and for many watching, that promise matters. In a time when stories involving Black families can be reduced to statistics or passing headlines, The Eternal 8 deserve to be remembered as children first: loved, known, and worthy of a grief the whole country should feel.

Clear Protein Supplements Are Here | Refreshing Picks

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Clear Protein Supplements Are Here | Refreshing Picks

WHETHER YOU’RE BULKING up, leaning out, or just trying to make it from one meal to the next, protein drinks stay in a lot of folks’ routines. Lately, clear protein has been getting real attention for people who want something lighter than the usual creamy shake.

And honestly, that makes sense. After a hot workout or a long day, a milk-heavy drink is not always the move. clear protein stands out because it tends to feel more like juice or flavored water while still helping with recovery and daily protein goals.

Compared with traditional shakes, these drinks often come in lower in calories, carbs, and fat. They may also be easier on the stomach, especially for anyone dealing with lactose issues or just wanting a less heavy option.

So what is it, exactly? And more importantly, which ones are actually worth your money? After looking through some of the most talked-about options, a few clear standouts rose to the top.

How I Tested Clear Protein

I TRIED EIGHT of the most popular clear protein drinks on the market to see which ones really deliver on taste, texture, and nutrition. After checking each product’s ingredients and protein content, I mixed each one as directed and served it over ice.

Here’s what mattered most:

Protein Type and Content

Most clear protein drinks use whey protein isolate because it delivers a concentrated protein hit without the heavier feel of a standard shake. There are also plant-based options on the market. Protein amounts usually range from 10 to 30 grams per serving.

Daily protein needs often land around 1.2 to 1.6 grams per kilogram of body weight, with slightly higher amounts during harder training blocks. A 10-gram drink can help round out a snack, while a 20- to 30-gram option may fit better after a workout.

Sweeteners

A lot of these drinks lean on low- or no-calorie sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, or sucralose. That can be a plus for keeping sugar low, but taste is personal. Some people don’t love the aftertaste, so it helps to know what each brand is using before you buy.

Flavor and Texture

We are far past the era of forcing ourselves through chalky drinks just to hit a number. The best clear protein options should be refreshing, smooth, and easy to sip, not something you have to mentally prepare for.

Best Overall Clear Protein Drink: MindBodyGreen Clear Whey Protein+

If thick, sweet drinks turn you off after training, this one is a strong pick. Each serving gives you 22 grams of whey protein isolate plus 2.5 grams of leucine to support muscle growth and recovery.

It mixes clean in a shaker bottle with no grit left behind. The flavor stays light, the sweetness doesn’t overpower, and the texture is close to water, which is exactly what a lot of people want from a clear protein drink.

Key Specs:

  • Protein per serving: 22 grams
  • Protein source: whey protein isolate
  • Sweeteners: stevia, fermented rebaudioside M (OnoSweet)
  • Flavors available: pink lemonade
  • Cost per serving: $3.45

Best Tasting: Clean Simple Eats Clear Protein Soda

This one comes in two can sizes, offering either 10 or 20 grams of whey protein isolate. The texture is fizzy, crisp, and genuinely refreshing, with a nice balance of tart and sweet. It costs more than most powders, but the convenience is part of the appeal. No clumps, no settling, no extra prep.

Key Specs:

  • Protein per serving: 10 grams (in a 12-ounce can) or 20 grams (in a 26-ounce can)
  • Protein source: grass-fed whey protein isolate
  • Sweeteners: reb M (OnoSweet), stevia leaf extract
  • Flavors available: sour green apple, cherry lime, frosted lemonade, classic grape
  • Cost per serving: $2.99 for a 12-ounce can, $3.58 for a 16-ounce can

Best for Digestion: Bloom Clear Protein

This powder blends 15 grams of whey protein isolate with 5 grams of collagen peptides for a total of 20 grams of protein. It also includes a 25-milligram digestive enzyme blend. While that exact formula hasn’t been deeply studied, blends with similar enzyme profiles may help reduce bloating, heartburn, and gas for some people.

Because of the collagen, the drink is a little thicker than some competitors, but it still dissolves smoothly. There’s a slight foamy layer on top, and the flavor finishes with a mild chalky edge, so this one is more about function than pure taste.

Key Specs:

  • Protein per serving: 20 grams
  • Protein source: whey protein isolate, collagen peptides
  • Sweeteners: sucralose
  • Flavors available: raspberry lemon, strawberry watermelon
  • Cost per serving: $2.99

Best Plant-Based: PlantFusion Clear Protein

Clear Plant Protein

PlantFusion swaps whey for pea protein, making this a vegan-friendly option with 20 grams of protein per serving. It also contains coconut oil, which gives it 2 extra grams of fat and a slightly cloudier look. Still, it stays mixed well and keeps a smooth texture even after sitting.

Flavor-wise, tropical punch can feel a little busy, but pineapple coconut lands much better. It’s lighter, more balanced, and easily the stronger pick if you want a plant-based option that actually feels enjoyable to drink.

Key Specs:

  • Protein per serving: 20 grams
  • Protein source: pea protein isolate
  • Sweeteners: stevia leaf extract, monk fruit
  • Flavors available: tropical punch, pineapple coconut
  • Cost per serving: $5.33
Lettermark

Kelsey Kunik, RDN, is a registered dietitian and health writer covering all things nutrition for Men’s Health and Women’s Health.

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