During a speech at the Dealbook Summit on Wednesday, Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry publicly criticized California Gov. Gavin Newsom. The topic was menopause care and how women are viewed in corporate America.
Berry specifically mentioned Newsom’s actions regarding menopause bills. “Back in my great state of California,” she said, addressing the crowd about her own experiences growing up and as an activist,
“my very own governor, Gavin Newsom, has vetoed our menopause bill… not one, but two years in a row.” She paused for emphasis before adding,
“But that’s okay because he won’t be governor forever. And with the way he overlooks women – half the population – by devaluing them midlife, he probably shouldn’t even consider being our next president.”
The legislation Berry referenced would have mandated healthcare service plans and health insurers to provide recommendations for menopause-related treatments, while also requiring healthcare providers to receive training on this crucial aspect of care.
Newsom is known for considering a potential run for the White House in 2028. His administration’s handling of menopause issues has drawn criticism from Berry during a major public event where she delivered her message before he was scheduled to address the summit himself later that afternoon.
