Halle Berry pulled no punches in her latest criticism of California Governor Gavin Newsom, accusing him of making empty promises regarding their public disagreement over menopause health care.
The Oscar winner revealed to The cut that although Newsom previously claimed the two were “reconciling” their differences, she actually never heard from him.
The tension stems from the governor’s lack of support for the Menopause Care Equity Act, a bill Berry is championing to help women overcome midlife health challenges.
Berry expressed deep frustration with what she sees as a lack of follow-through, saying, “It’s troubling when people say they’re going to do things and they don’t.” »
She went even further, suggesting that Newsom’s potential political aspirations could be threatened if he continues to ignore the needs of women.
“But he heard what I said. If he wants to be our next president, he can’t sleep on women. Wake up, Gavin,” she added.
The feud was made public last December when Berry spoke at the New York Times DealBook Summit, arguing that Newsom’s decision to neglect menopause care effectively devalues half the population.
She noted that while men experienced similar symptoms, like trouble sleeping and impaired brain function, “[we’d] call it a health crisis comparable to Covid, and the whole world would stop.
Berry highlighted the economic impact of this problem, pointing out that one in six women are forced to leave the workforce due to menopausal symptoms, which ultimately affects all households and the economy as a whole.
The legislation in question would have required insurance companies to cover necessary treatments and would have required doctors to receive continuing education on menopause.
While Newsom said TMZ that they were “reconciling this” after Berry’s comments went viral, Berry insists there was no contact.
In response to his recent remarks, a spokesperson for Newsom called Berry’s comments “very unfortunate.”
The governor’s office previously defended his veto by saying the bill, as originally written, would have accidentally increased health care costs for working families.
However, his team maintains that Newsom has now introduced a proposal to support menopause care through the state budget, which they say is in line with his previous promises to address the problem.
Berry stands firm on her stance, calling on men and women to join the fight for better medical support.
She emphasized that wrestling is not just for women, urging leaders to remain curious and interested in the topic, even when it seems “unfamiliar and uncomfortable.”
