Gavin Newsom responds to Halle Berry's criticism of his views on women

This week, Halle Berry sparked controversy by criticizing California Governor Gavin Newsom, claiming he has undervalued women. Her remarks came during the New York Times DealBook Summit in New York City.

Berry, now an advocate for womens health, has been urging states to expand legislation around menopause treatments. She also supports initiatives that encourage doctors to take specialized training to better understand the different stages of womens health transitions. With proper insurance coverage, she emphasizes that such treatments can become more accessible for women without causing financial strain.

During her speech, Berry openly criticized the governor, stating that Californias menopause bill had been vetoed by Newsom for two consecutive years. She added that by neglecting women in midlife, he had devalued half the population and questioned his suitability for future leadership roles.

In response, Governor Newsom issued a clarification, noting that Berry was not fully aware of the ongoing efforts to address the issue. We are already working on a solution, and it will be included in next years budget, he explained, according to reports. He also contacted Berrys management team to resolve any misunderstandings. The revised budget now includes the necessary funding for 2026.

The exchange highlights ongoing discussions about womens healthcare and the importance of clear communication between public figures and advocates.

Author: Gavin Porter