'Queen Sugar' Star Kofi Siriboe Netflix Breaking Down Barriers ... Black Romance Film Without Trauma

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"Really Love" star Kofi Siriboe says his new Netflix movie breaks the mold ... a romantic drama with Black leads where the story is not rooted in trauma or crime.

Kofi -- best known for his role in Ava Duvernay and Oprah Winfrey's TV series "Queen Sugar" -- says he grew up on love stories like "Love & Basketball" and "Brown Sugar."

Nevertheless, he was frustrated most films in this genre featuring Black actors do not make romance the foundation of the flick ... probably because studio heads fear audiences won't accept it.

In "Really Love," Kofi plays a promising painter named Isaiah Maxwell who is stopped in his tracks when he meets Stevie ... an ambitious law student played by Yootha Wong-Loi-Sing. And, so begins a delicate dance between pursuing love or success.

The film's already getting lots of critical acclaim. And, of course, audiences love watching Kofi ... both for his acting and his incredible looks.

Guess Who This Posin' Pipsqueak Turned Into!

Before this posin' pipsqueak was an all-star actress taking roles in some of your favorite films, she was just another bowl cut baby taking a stance in Charleston, West Virginia.

This little lady rose to fame when she scored the starring role in a science-fiction television show created by 'Star Wars' director J.J. Abrams -- which earned her a Golden Globe Award for Best Actress. You may recognize her when she aged overnight on screen with her first breakout film, a romantic comedy starring alongside love interest Mark Ruffalo and best friend Judy Greer.

Can you guess who she is?

'FBoy Island' Star Garrett Morosky Officially Dating Jake Paul's Ex-GF!!! ... Sarah Emig, Who?!?

Fresh off "FBOY Island," Garrett Morosky is in a relationship with someone other than the co-star he was trying to win back -- instead, he's with Jake Paul's ex ... and there's all kinds of drama.

So, here's the deal ... we're told Garrett and co-star Sarah Emig were on a double date in L.A. back in June when they met up with "Too Hot to Handle" star Harry Jowsey and his date, Mia Francis.

But, we're told Garrett and Mia hit it off ... leaving their dates out in the cold, metaphorically.

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Ever since then, Garrett and Mia -- an OnlyFans star who previously dated Jake -- had been talking, and they're now at the "officially dating" stage.

Thing is, we're told Garrett hasn't had "the talk" with Sarah just yet. Our sources say Garrett plans on publicly apologizing to her ... again. As for why things didn't work out for them -- Sarah lives in Cincinnati, and we're told the long-distance dating just wasn't realistic.

We reached out to Garrett and asked how in the world a so-called "FBoy" can be locked down, and he said ... "I'm not an 'FBoy' for the right person."

Mia was linked to Jake Paul early this year, but that fizzled due to some drama ... as the good folks over at TooFab detailed.

BTW, the fact Garrett and Mia are now dating might explain why Garrett, seemingly out of nowhere, challenged Jake to a boxing match.

Looking back, it seems like Sarah was telegraphing all of this when she told us last month Garrett did her dirty. Again.

Kyle Brandt 'Frogger' Comes To Life In Game Show ... It's Like 'Wreck-It Ralph'!!!

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HOP TO VICTORY!
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Kyle Brandt says '80s and '90s nostalgists are going to love the new "Frogger" game show ... because it brings the classic arcade game to life, kinda like "Wreck-It Ralph."

Kyle -- host of NFL Network's "Good Morning Football" show -- joined us on "TMZ Live" and downloaded us on the new game show he's hosting with Damon Wayans Jr.

It sounds super cool ... contestants basically get sucked inside the game, and they try to win a cash prize by navigating obstacles straight out of the timeless Konami game.

Naturally, competitors have to dodge traffic and cross over water ... and the winner gets a cool $100,000 and the title of "America's finest Frogger."

"Frogger" debuts on Peacock Sept. 9 and Kyle says the game show's a mix of sports, drama, comedy, nostalgia and even a bit of romance between him and Damon.

Brandt says the competition is like a football game and mixes in tons of '80s movie references ... and he tells us why the show is right up his alley.

Stefania Ferrario and Paige De Cinque Double Trouble Down Undah!!!

Today's Summer Hot Shots comes from a steamy impromptu Polaroid photo shoot in Melbourne where model hotties Stefania Ferrario and Paige De Cinque slipped into some little bikinis and snapped some private pics of each other in Australia.

The eye-popping pair live under the same roof and the roomies are always collaborating together on some awesome Aussie photos for Stefania and Paige's Instagram accounts ... but be sure to click to the end of the gallery to get a sneak peek at some of the provocative Polaroid pics that were snapped for their personal collection.

These are keepers!

We are continuing to whip up our Summer Hot Shots for 2021 from a distance and have collaborated with some mind-melting hotties from around the world for your viewing pleasure!

Be sure to check back all weekend long to see who's over-heating your computer modem as we wrap up this year's features.

Brian Austin Green JOINS 'DWTS' CAST FOR SEASON 30

Brian Austin Green is slipping into some dancing shoes ... we've learned he's the latest celeb to join the upcoming season of "Dancing with the Stars."

Brian's famous for starring on the original "Beverly Hills, 90210" and now we'll see if he's got any skills in the ballroom.

The official cast will not be announced until next week, but BAG is joining a loaded roster for 'DWTS' season 30.

As we first told you ... NBA baller Iman Shumpert is in the competition, along with Lori Loughlin's daughter Olivia Jade, 'Real Housewives of Atlanta' star Kenya Moore and Team USA gymnast Suni Lee.

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Brian's joining a historic season on the ABC dance show ... because singer JoJo Siwa is also on the roster, and she's paired up with another woman for the first same-sex pairing.

JoJo told us she's got an advantage because women are better dancers than men ... so the pressures on guys like Brian.

Iman Shumpert Joins 'DWTS' Cast ... Will His Moves Match His Wife's?!?

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Iman Shumpert's about to show the world if any of his wife's dancing skills have rubbed off on him ... he's the latest to join the cast of "Dancing with the Stars."

The NBA baller -- who's currently a free agent -- is headed to the ballroom for Season 30 of the hit dancing competition, but first, he's gotta get his rehearsals in. We got Iman leaving the 'DWTS' studio Thursday, and much like Olivia Jade ... he's trying to keep his identity under wraps.

We've confirmed it's him though, and time will tell if dance moves run in the family ... as you may know, his spouse, Teyana Taylor, is known for hers.

Teyana famously burst onto the scene when she was featured in Kanye West's 2016 music video for "Fade" ... a modern, incredibly hot homage to "Flashdance." Shumpert also appeared at the end of the vid ... but didn't do any dancing.

However, professional athletes have traditionally done very well on the show ... with Emmitt Smith, Apolo Ohno, Kristi Yamaguchi, Hines Ward, Donald Driver, Adam Rippon and several others winning it all.

Iman's rumored pro dance partner will be Daniella Karagach, who finished in third place on Season 29 with Nelly.

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As we reported ... other celeb contestants this season include Jade, Kenya Moore and JoJo Siwa.

Elijah McClain's Dad Justice Looks Like Life in Prison ... For Indicted Cops, Medics

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LOOKING FOR ACCOUNTABILITY
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Elijah McClain's dad would like to see those indicted for his son's death spend the rest of their lives behind bars.

Elijah's dad, LaWayne Mosley, tells TMZ ... he was ecstatic when he got the call from the Colorado Attorney General's Office to inform him about the 32-count indictment against the 3 Aurora PD cops who stopped Elijah in 2019, and the 2 Aurora Fire Dept. medics who responded to the arrest.

LaWayne, flanked by civil rights attorney Mari Newman, didn't mince words when he said he'd like all of them to do life in prison. He said, "I would love it."

LaWayne said he has hope justice will be served, and Newman added ... she trusts the process because Colorado AG Phil Weiser has run a thorough investigation. She's adamant Weiser wouldn't have brought these charges if he didn't believe they could get convictions. Now, it's wait and see.

For the moment ... LaWayne and Newman want these indictments to make all officers think twice before taking actions that kill people.

As we reported ... the 5 people tied to Elijah's death were slapped with manslaughter and criminally negligent homicide charges. Two of the officers -- Randy Roedema and Jason Rosenblatt -- face additional charges ... 2nd-degree assault with the intent to cause bodily injury.

As you know ... Elijah was walking home 2 years ago when he was stopped and accosted by police because he seemed "suspicious." One of the cops could be heard saying as much in since-released body cam footage.

Elijah was eventually put in a carotid hold before he passed out. Medics are alleged to have administered a lethal dose of ketamine, which prosecutors believe killed him.

Peppa Pig Trolls Kanye West After Better Album Review

Peppa Pig is rubbing her music review in Kanye West's nose ... trolling him because his new album came in with a lower score than an animated farm animal's album.

Here's the deal ... Peppa Pig's recent music offering, "Peppa's Adventures: The Album," earned a 6.5 out of 10 score from Pitchfork, slightly higher than the 6.0 rating for Kanye's "Donda."

Peppa Pig, the massively popular British TV series for preschoolers, is making sure Kanye and his fans know who got the better review, with the show's official Twitter account throwing shade at Ye.

Peppa Pig quote-tweeted an image showing the differing album reviews and said ... "Peppa didn't need to host listening parties in Mercedes-Benz Stadium to get that .5" higher score.

Oooh, burn! And, Peppa even did the ol' tweet and delete ... so, you know she meant it!

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TMZ.com

As you know ... Kanye had several "Donda" listening parties at football stadiums in Atlanta and Chicago before last Friday's album drop.

Peppa's walked some of the trash talk back, but she's still responding to her own fans who are still trolling Kanye.

Smell that ... it's not bacon, but BEEF!!!

Ex-WCW Star Daffney Unger Dead At 46 After Wrestler Posts Suicidal Video

Former wrestler Daffney Unger -- who starred in the WCW from 1999 to 2001 -- has died after posting a very disturbing video to her social media page, TMZ Sports has confirmed.

She was 46 years old.

A spokesperson for the Gwinnett County Medical Examiner's Office confirmed the death to TMZ Sports, but did not reveal a cause or manner.

Daffney's friend, wrestler Lexie Fyfe, said the former WCW star -- real name Shannon Spruill -- was found dead Thursday morning.

"We are very sad to have to announce the passing of Shannon Spruill aka Daffney Unger," said Lexie, who told us she and Daffney were so close, they "called each other sisters."

"We are posting this at the request of her family. Please respect their privacy at this trying time. I will miss you my logical sister from another mister."

Daffney had gone on Instagram Live late Wednesday night and appeared to be in a suicidal state, saying in her video, "Do you guys not understand that I am all alone? Do you not understand that?"

She later could be heard in the footage saying, "Remember, my brain goes to Boston."

Fyfe tells us Daffney had been battling mental health issues in recent weeks ... and urged anyone who's going through similar struggles to reach out for help.

Fyfe also tells us cops initially had trouble finding Daffney following the posting of the video ... explaining Daffney had just moved into a different apartment just four days ago.

The wrestling world was rocked by the news ... with legend Mick Foley saying, "I'm so very sorry to learn of Daffney's passing. A terrible loss for her family, friends and wrestling. She was far ahead if her time in our business. #RIPDaffney."

Added wrestling star Frankie Kazarian, "RIP Daffney. Just, awful news. She was a guest at my wedding…This is so incredibly sad. Please, reach out. Always. Godspeed."

After her stint in the WCW, Daffney went on to have a big role with Total Nonstop Action Wrestling from '08-'11. She retired a short time later.

RIP.

If you or someone you know is struggling with depression or thoughts of suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.

Diane Warren G-Eazy Getting Artists on My Album ... My Dentist Helped!!!

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TMZ.com

Diane Warren released her debut studio album after recruiting some of the biggest names in music to join her, so of course ... she has some great stories about how it all came together.

The legendary songwriter joined "TMZ Live" Thursday to chat about her new album -- "The Cave Sessions Vol. 1" -- and the diverse group of talent she enlisted to perform her songs ... including John Legend, Rita Ora, Ty Dolla Sign, Darius Rucker and many more.

For her lead single though, Diane tells us she wrote it with Carlos Santana in mind but didn't have a singer ... until her friend hooked her up with G-Eazy. Obviously, he's known for his rapping and not his singing, so listen to Warren explain how she and G-Eazy made it work ... it's a testament to her brilliance.

That track's called "She's Fire" by the way, and yeah ... it's fire.

Diane has many more fun anecdotes like this, especially the one about how her dentist is responsible for getting Pentatonix on the album. However, she used her own networking skills at the Oscars to pitch Jon Batiste about being added to the track, and well ... the rest is history.

It seems a lot of big names have no qualms about saying "yes" to Diane ... and it's no wonder.

If ya don't know, she's written some of the biggest hits for artists like Cher, Celine Dion, LeAnn Rimes and Aerosmith, and she's been nominated 12 times for an Oscar for Best Original Song since the late '80s, but never won. Watch, she's got a sense of humor about it.

Besides, it's clearly not slowing down Diane.

For the full interview, check your local listings and tune into Thursday's ep of "TMZ Live."

Teen YouTuber Piper Rockelle P!nk Hurt Me ... And Smeared My Mom!!!

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Piper Rockelle says P!nk's comments about her and allegations of exploitation not only hurt her feelings, but unfairly painted her mom as some kinda monster.

The 14-year-old YouTube star already denied P!nk's claims, telling TMZ her parents -- specifically her mother -- are not sexually exploiting her, as the singer claimed. But, Piper's now revealing P!nk's scorching social media post really affected her emotionally.

According to Piper ... when the bikini photos P!nk called into question were taken, Piper had COVID so she was at home hanging in her pool a lot, and SHE wanted to take the pics to show off her favorite bathing suit.

She adds that a lot of kids her age do that, and she doesn't seen any harm in it at all.

Waiting for your permission to load the Instagram Media.

Piper goes on to defend her Mom against P!nk's accusations, calling the singer's statement "100 percent not true." She says her mom's always making sure she's happy and wants to keep doing what she's doing.

P!nk has yet to publicly follow up on her tweet -- or respond to Piper calling her out -- but maybe now she'll have more to say.

Canelo Alvarez Leaves Door Open For Jake Paul Fight ... Just Not Right Now

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Canelo Alvarez was asked point-blank whether he'd fight Jake Paul ... and he DIDN'T say no.

31-year-old Alvarez was leaving Beauty & Essex in L.A. ... when a photog asked the world's top pound-for-pound pugilist about boxing the 4-0 fighter.

Here's how the conversation went ... translated from Spanish to English.

Photog: "What do you think of Jake Paul? Are you gonna give him a chance?"
Canelo: "Not right now."

Photog: "Why don’t you want to give him a chance?"
Canelo: "He’s not ready."

Photog: "Do you think it might be a good option?"
Canelo: "If he wants someone to fight, we have this guy right here ..." (Points to a friend)

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Photog: "What needs to happen in order for you to give him a chance?"
Canelo: "He needs to keep improving. Good luck."

Photog: "What do you think of a fight between you and your brother vs. the Paul bros?"
Canelo: "No."

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Of course, Paul -- who has wins over AnEsonGib, Nate Robinson, Ben Askren, and Tyron Woodley -- told TMZ Sports back in June that Canelo was on his (future) hit list.

Alvarez has not been a fan of Paul's foray into the squared circle ... previously telling us he believed the Paul brothers were disrespecting the sport.

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But, now it seems Alvarez has changed his mind about Jake ... even if he stopped well-short of guaranteeing they'd someday fight.

BTW, Canelo was at Beauty & Essex for a meeting with Kendall Jenner ... and it seems a partnership with her 818 Tequila is in the works.

ABBA Announces First Album in 40 Years!!! Set for 'Revolutionary' Tour

ABBA fans, get ready to dance like queens ... 'cause they're back!!!

The pop legends dropped two serious bombshells Thursday during a globally-streamed news conference. First, the band's dropping their first studio album in 40 years since "The Visitors" dropped in 1981. The new 10-track album's dubbed "Voyage."

The best part ... they've already released 2 singles from the album -- "I Still Have Faith in You" and "Don't Shut Me Down." The album's set to drop in November.

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ABBA / YouTube

The second bombshell ... the group's getting back together for a "revolutionary" tour in London that'll see the band members appear as virtual avatars. They'll play some of their best hits ... like "Dancing Queen," "Money, Money, Money" and "Mamma Mia."

The concert's slated to begin May 27, 2022 in a specially-built arena. The digital versions of the group will be accompanied by a live 10-piece band performing their greatest hits.

ABBA -- which split up in 1982 -- apparently got together in the studio while their studio was being built. ABBA teamed up with George Lucas' Industrial Light & Magic studio. It's the first time the studio's dipped its toe into music, and it was no small task.

The studio needed weeks and months to motion-capture digital versions of ABBA and equip the arena. The gargantuan effort required an astounding 850 members to get it all done.

And, while the working stage was being built, the group finished 2 songs before deciding to crank out a few others. And, bang ... that's how the 10-track album came to be.

Cardi B Gets Props From Slain Model's Family Invite To Memorial Service

Cardi B is getting applauded by the family of slain IG model Miss Mercedes Morr ... they're thankful Cardi is shining light on the tragedy and they invited her to the funeral.

The late model's mother, Jeanetta Grover, tells TMZ ... the family's grateful Cardi brought awareness to her daughter's tragic death, because Cardi took the attention away from her daughter's alleged murderer and put it back on Mercedes.

MMM was found dead last month at her home in Houston in what authorities are calling an apparent murder-suicide.

Cardi defended Mercedes online after some folks tried to blame Morr for her own death.

The family tells us Mercedes was a huge fan of Cardi's, with a fiery spirit and a kind heart, and they reached out privately to Cardi to extend an invite to the memorial service.

We're told there's no pressure on Cardi to attend the celebration of life Saturday in Houston ... the family says they understand she's a busy woman and they're just thankful Cardi brought awareness to the case.

Mercedes's mom says if Cardi does show up, her daughter would have been blown away and excited ... and everyone would just be grateful CB took the time to pay respects and send love.

Texas Anti-Abortion Law SCOTUS Punts ... Roe vs. Wade Appears Doomed

The Supreme Court has all but said Roe vs. Wade is history, but not without a few justices railing on the majority for grossly abdicating its responsibility.

The justices -- by a 5 to 4 margin -- refused to hear a challenge to the Texas anti-abortion law, which essentially makes it illegal for abortions to be performed after the 6th week of pregnancy. And, there's no exception for rape or incest. And, anyone in the United States can sue anyone who facilitates an abortion after the 6th week and collect $10k.

The justices who formed the majority were predicable ... Clarence Thomas, Samuel Alito and the 3 Trump appointees -- Kavanaugh, Gorsuch and Barrett. Trump said he was picking justices who would overturn Roe, and his picks were true to form.

The majority said the case was just too complex for a quick ruling ... presenting novel issues. The fact is ... the Texas law is squarely, undeniably at odds with Roe vs. Wade. The justices hung their hats on the enforcement mechanism -- that private citizens and not the State itself was responsible for enforcing the law. But the reality is ... the ground rules for an abortion in Texas fly in the face of Roe. Nevertheless, the justices chose to punt.

The dissents were blistering. Justice Sonia Sotomayor said the decision was "stunning," adding the majority chose to "bury their heads in the sand." She calls the law "clearly unconstitutional.

Sotomayor said, "In effect, the Texas Legislature has deputized the State's citizens as bounty hunters, offering them cash prizes for civilly prosecuting their neighbors' medical procedures."

This non-decision clearly sets the stage for the big showdown next term, when a Mississippi anti-abortion law squarely challenges Roe vs. Wade. It seems the Supreme Court's view of the Texas law is a precursor to squarely overturning Roe.