Halle Berry has publicly stated that California Governor Gavin Newsom has failed to reach out to her as he previously indicated he would, following her vocal criticism of his decision to veto a significant women's healthcare bill.
The Background of the Dispute
The controversy centres on the Menopause Care Equity Act, a piece of California legislation designed to enhance healthcare coverage and educational resources for women navigating menopause symptoms. The bill successfully passed through the state legislature last year, only to be vetoed by Governor Newsom.
In December, at The New York Times' Dealbook conference, the acclaimed Catwoman and Monster's Ball actor publicly condemned the governor's action. Newsom responded to the backlash in a conversation with TMZ that same month, suggesting a reconciliation was in process and that provisions had been included in the following year's budget, claiming Berry was unaware of this move.
"Wake Up, Gavin": Berry's Continued Frustration
However, in a new interview with The Cut published this week, Berry confirmed that no such contact from the governor's office has materialised. "It's disturbing when people say they're going to do things and then they don't," she told the publication.
The Oscar winner issued a pointed message, linking the issue to Newsom's political future: "But he heard what I said. If he is going to run to be our next president, he can't sleep on women. Wake up, Gavin."
Berry's Personal Investment in Women's Health
Berry, who is approaching 60, explained her deep personal commitment to advocating for women's health, particularly regarding menopause care. "Fighting for women's health feels like a formidable cause for my second act," she stated. "Women are as confused as I am on this midlife journey and I felt like I had to do something."
Her frustration is compounded by the fact that the legislation had achieved legislative approval before encountering the governor's veto pen.
The Governor's Rationale and Berry's Rebuttal
In his official veto letter to state legislators, Governor Newsom argued that the act, along with a similar prior proposal, was "too far-reaching." A spokesperson for the governor later elaborated in a statement, asserting that the bill as written would have "unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women and working families already stretched thin."
The statement expressed Newsom's "deep admiration" for Berry's advocacy and a desire to collaborate, but maintained the cost concern as the veto's primary justification.
Berry has directly contested this financial argument. In a Time magazine column last November, she contended that insurance premiums would not see a substantial increase. She characterised the veto as displaying "a failure of Gov. Newsom’s commitment to women."
The Independent has contacted Governor Newsom's press office for further comment on Berry's latest remarks regarding the lack of promised communication.
