Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry sharply criticized California Governor Gavin Newsom during her appearance at The New York Times’ DealBook Summit. The remarks marked a rare break from Hollywood’s typical support for Democratic politicians. The crowd at Lincoln Center reacted with audible gasps as Berry delivered her comments.
Berry has spent the past year advocating for expanded access to menopause and midlife health resources through her company Respin.
“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 said. “But that’s okay because he’s not going to be governor forever.”
“With the way he’s overlooked women, half the population, by devaluing us in midlife, he probably should not be our next president either,” she added.
Berry’s comments came hours before Newsom spoke later in the same program. The response from those in attendance included more gasps as her remarks circulated online.
She encouraged the audience to join the effort for expanded midlife care.
“Just saying, I need every woman in this country to fight with me,” Berry said. “The truth is, the fight isn’t just for us women. We need men, too. We need all of the leaders, every single one of you in this room. This fight needs you.”
Berry described the work her company is doing to address midlife health concerns.
“As a founder, I’m building for myself what I wish I had 10 years ago with the knowing that it’s going to help generations and generations to come,” she said.
She added that societal expectations around aging continue to affect women in public life.
“In 2025 there is a lot to still be talked about and discovered and uncovered, especially if you are a woman who is navigating midlife and thoughtfully considering your longevity, because in 2025 I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,” Berry said.
“Our culture thinks that at 59 years old, I am past my prime, and that women my age start to become invisible in Hollywood, in the workplace, on social media.”
She continued, “Women are pressured to stay forever 35.”
“We’re complimented if we seem to be aging backwards or defying gravity, as if that’s even possible, and if we somehow manage to look younger than our years, it’s suggested that’s the gold standard that our worth should be measured by.”
Newsom responded when approached by TMZ after the event.
“Actually, I was just connected with her manager,” Newsom said.
“We have the ability to reconcile that, so we’re reconciling.” He said the issue would be “included in the budget next year,” though his critics remain skeptical.
