Halle Berry didn’t hold back. While standing on stage at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit, the Oscar-winning actress delivered a sharp and unexpected political message aimed straight at California Governor Gavin Newsom. What made the moment even more dramatic? Newsom was scheduled to speak just two guests after her.
Berry, 59, was addressing women’s health, aging, and her wellness company, Respin Health, when she brought up the governor’s repeated decision to veto the Menopause Care Equity Act. The bill, also known as AB 432, would have expanded medical coverage for menopause-related care. It has now been blocked twice by Newsom.
“Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill, not one, but two years in a row,” Berry told the audience.
Then came the line that drew audible gasps across the room.
“With the way he has overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either,” she said. “Just saying.”
What the Veto Was About
The Menopause Care Equity Act was strongly supported by Berry and women’s health advocates. It aimed to make it easier for women to access treatments like hormone replacement therapy. Illinois recently became the first state to mandate insurance coverage for HRT, something Berry highlighted in contrast to California’s decision.
Newsom’s team later pushed back on Berry’s remarks. His spokesperson said he admired Berry’s advocacy and shared her goal of expanding access to menopause treatment. However, they claimed the bill, as written, could have raised healthcare costs for millions of working women.
In a statement, the governor’s office said it is confident a better version of the bill can expand access without increasing medical bills.
The Bigger Message Berry Was Sending
Berry’s comments weren’t just about one bill. They were part of a much deeper and more personal message about aging, visibility, and how women are treated in midlife.
“At this stage in my life, I have zero f— left to give,” she said bluntly.
She spoke about how women around her age are often made to feel invisible in Hollywood, the workplace, and even on social media.
“Our culture thinks that at 59 years old, I am past my prime,” Berry said. “Women are pressured to stay forever 35.”
She also addressed the extreme pressure women face to look young at any cost and admitted she feels that pressure herself every day.
“The question is for whom?” she asked. “As long as I let my worth be defined by my physical self, I am in a losing battle.”
Her Personal Struggle With Menopause
Berry has been open about how unprepared she was for menopause. She revealed that at age 54, no doctor had even warned her that she was entering that stage of life.
“I had no idea that I was in menopause,” she admitted at a previous event. “I had this unrealistic idea that maybe I would just skip it.”
That experience pushed her toward advocacy and eventually led to the creation of Respin Health, focused on women’s wellness and longevity.
Newsom’s Political Future Still Unclear
Gavin Newsom’s current term as governor ends in January 2027, and he cannot run again due to term limits. He has previously said he will consider a presidential run after the 2026 midterm elections.
For now, Berry’s comments have added new fuel to the national conversation about women’s healthcare, aging, and political accountability.
Whether Newsom runs for president or not, one thing is clear: Halle Berry has no intention of staying silent anymore.
If you find my content helpful, consider buying me a coffee to show your appreciation and help me continue creating.
Buy Me a Coffee