NEW YORK — December 3, 2025.
Actor and entrepreneur Halle Berry, 59, delivered one of the most talked-about moments at The New York Times DealBook Summit on Wednesday, turning an emotional keynote on women’s health and ageism into a pointed political critique of California Gov. Gavin Newsom.

Berry — who has become a high-profile advocate for menopause care through her wellness company Respin — criticized the entertainment industry, corporate America, and U.S. healthcare systems for sidelining women in midlife. Then she directed her frustration squarely at Newsom, who is widely viewed as a potential 2028 Democratic presidential contender.

Berry’s Viral Moment

While discussing ageism and the lack of access to menopause care, Berry pivoted to Newsom’s repeated vetoes of the Menopause Care Equity Act (AB 432) — a bipartisan bill that would require insurance plans to cover menopause-related treatments.

Berry told the audience:

“Back in my great state of California, my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill — not once, but two years in a row. But that’s okay, because he’s not going to be governor forever. And the way he has overlooked women — half the population — by devaluing us, he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”

The room audibly gasped.

Her critique builds on a September 2025 op-ed in TIME, where she accused Newsom of failing women despite branding himself a champion of equity.

Newsom vetoed AB 432 both in 2024 and 2025, arguing that the measure was “overly broad,” potentially expensive, and needed further refinement — despite previously expressing support for improving menopause care access.

Newsom Responds — and Scrambles for Damage Control

Within 24 hours, Newsom’s office issued statements to Variety, People, and California outlets defending the veto and praising Berry’s advocacy.

A spokesperson said:

“The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s leadership on women’s health. He looks forward to working with her on policies that expand access to care. He shares her goal — even if they disagree on this particular bill.”

Newsom later told reporters he planned — before Berry’s speech — to include menopause-care funding in the 2026–27 California budget, saying Berry “didn’t have the whole story.” His team, he said, had already contacted her representatives to “reconcile.”

But the timing raised eyebrows: The announcement came only after Berry’s criticism went viral.

Why This Hit a Nerve

Berry’s remarks come amid a major shift in menopause policy nationwide. In early 2025, the FDA — under Commissioner Marty Makary — lifted a 23-year-old “black box” warning on hormone replacement therapy (HRT), clearing the way for expanded state-level insurance mandates. States like Illinois have already moved quickly to broaden coverage.

Berry’s advocacy targets a growing demographic: 55 million U.S. women experiencing menopause — many dealing with workplace discrimination, health gaps, and financial barriers to care.

Her criticism also touches a political vulnerability for Newsom: His national ambitions depend heavily on support from women, especially the Hollywood and donor communities that propelled his rise.

Online Backlash — and Praise

The exchange sparked a firestorm on X (formerly Twitter):

Pro-Newsom users accused Berry of disrespect:

“Halle Berry just trashed her governor onstage. Done with her movies.”

“Ungrateful and out of touch. She owes Newsom an apology.”

Hashtags like #BoycottHalleBerry briefly trended in California.

Supporters framed her remarks as overdue accountability:

“Halle Berry said what millions of women are thinking — Newsom failed us.”

“Finally someone calls out the hypocrisy.”

Conservative commentators — typically critical of Berry — amplified her comments because they undermined a major Democratic figure.

Neutral observers noted the political stakes:

“Berry’s comments show internal party fractures Newsom can’t afford before 2028.”

“Expect frantic cleanup from the Governor’s office.”

Despite the noise, no measurable effect on Berry’s career has been reported.

The Bigger Picture

Berry’s speech was not a random celebrity outburst — it was a strategic plea for a national shift in how healthcare treats women in their 40s, 50s, and 60s. Her critique of Hollywood ageism paired with her policy activism gives her growing influence across sectors.

For Newsom, the incident exposed vulnerabilities on women’s health, progressive trust, and California policy contradictions — and it arrived at a moment when he is attempting to build a national profile ahead of 2028.

Berry ended her speech with a message that now reads more sharply:

“Women in midlife are not invisible. And we will not be devalued.”