A collective gasp rippled through the audience at the New York Times DealBook Summit as Halle Berry delivered a stunning rebuke. The setting, Lincoln Center, became the stage for an unexpected challenge to California’s Governor Gavin Newsom, a moment that shattered Hollywood’s typically predictable political alignment.
Berry, known for her captivating performances, revealed a raw and resolute stance. “At this stage in my life, I have zero f–ks left to give,” she declared, setting the tone for a direct confrontation with the governor over his repeated vetoes of legislation aimed at supporting women experiencing menopause.
For the past year, Berry has passionately advocated for greater access to menopause and midlife health resources through her company. This personal commitment fueled her criticism of Newsom’s actions, which she characterized as a disregard for the needs of half the population.
“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 stated firmly. “But that’s okay because he’s not going to be governor forever.”
Her words didn’t stop there. Berry boldly asserted that Newsom’s pattern of overlooking women should disqualify him from higher office. “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 said, igniting a firestorm of reaction.
Berry extended a powerful call to action, urging women across the nation to join her fight. She emphasized that this wasn’t solely a women’s issue, but one requiring the support of men and all leaders present. “I need every woman in this country to fight with me,” she implored.
Berry articulated a broader frustration with societal perceptions of aging women. She described a culture that devalues women after a certain age, pressuring them to maintain a youthful appearance and measuring their worth by their ability to defy the natural aging process.
“In 2025, I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,” she explained. “Our culture thinks that at 59 years old, I am past my prime, and that women my age start to become invisible.”
Newsom, speaking later in the program, attempted to downplay the controversy. He claimed to have connected with Berry’s manager and expressed optimism about resolving the issue, even suggesting it would be addressed in the next budget cycle.
However, his response felt like a damage control effort, unable to fully extinguish the impact of Berry’s powerful and public challenge. The moment resonated far beyond the summit, sparking a national conversation about women’s health, ageism, and political accountability.
