Halle Berry criticizes Gavin Newsom in live event, stating he 'is not fit to be our next president' prior to his appearance

Halle Berry did not hold back when discussing the treatment of women in both Hollywood and broader American society, including the influence of prominent politicians such as California Governor Gavin Newsom. During her appearance at The New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday, Berry openly criticized Newsom for rejecting the Menopause Care Equity Act (AB 432) for the second consecutive year.

Berry, who founded the menopause-focused company Respin, expressed her personal support for the legislation and condemned Newsoms repeated veto as a setback for womens health. Speaking to the audience, she declared, At this stage in my life, I have zero f---s left to give. Back in my home state of California, my governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill not once, but two years running. Thats okay though, because he wont be governor forever. By neglecting women, half the population, he likely shouldnt be our next president either. Just saying.

The remarks reportedly caused a stir among attendees, especially since Newsom was slated to speak at the Summit later that day.

The Menopause Care Equity Act aimed to make menopause-related medical treatments more accessible for women. Newsom, however, vetoed the bill in October, citing concerns similar to the previous year that requiring insurance coverage for these treatments with minimal restrictions was too expansive.

In response to Berrys comments, a Newsom spokesperson stated that the governor respects Berrys advocacy and hopes to collaborate with her and other stakeholders to improve access to menopause care. They emphasized that the veto was intended to prevent increased healthcare costs for millions of working women while still striving to enhance treatment availability.

Newsoms current term concludes in January 2027, making him ineligible for reelection as governor. Despite this, he has indicated that he is considering a potential presidential bid following the 2026 midterm elections.

Author Commentary: Halle Berry’s Stand on Menopause Care

Halle Berry’s outspoken criticism of Governor Gavin Newsom at The New York Times DealBook Summit highlights ongoing challenges in addressing women’s health in the United States. Her remarks drew attention not only because of her celebrity status but also because they focused on a concrete legislative issue: the Menopause Care Equity Act (AB 432).

Berry emphasized the repeated vetoes of the bill as a significant setback for women seeking accessible menopause treatments. By framing the issue as both a health and political concern, she connected personal advocacy with broader societal implications, signaling that neglecting women’s health has tangible political consequences.

Governor Newsom’s office responded by acknowledging Berry’s advocacy while reiterating that the veto was aimed at controlling healthcare costs. They expressed willingness to collaborate on improving access to care, reflecting the tension between policy ambition and fiscal considerations.

This exchange underscores a growing public debate about the prioritization of women’s health in legislation and the political accountability of leaders. Berry’s statements may influence public perception and place additional pressure on policymakers to address menopause-related healthcare disparities before Newsom’s potential future campaigns.

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• Halle Berry blasts Gavin Newsom at live event, says he 'shouldn't be our next president' before he takes stage

Author: Grace Ellison
Grace Ellison is a journalist focusing on environmental issues and sustainability. She has experience publishing international reports and participating in documentary projects.