In a moment that sent ripples through both Hollywood and political circles, Academy Award-winning actress Halle Berry delivered a pointed and forceful critique of California Governor Gavin Newsom on Wednesday. Speaking at the influential DealBook Summit in New York City, Berry accused the governor of failing women by repeatedly blocking legislation aimed at improving menopause care, and she openly questioned his qualifications for a potential presidential run.

The confrontation occurred at Lincoln Center, where Berry, 59, was a featured speaker. In remarks that reportedly drew gasps from the audience, she voiced her profound disappointment with the governor’s actions. “At this stage in my life, I have zero f–ks left to give,” Berry began, before setting her sights directly on Newsom. “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.” She concluded with a direct challenge to his national ambitions, adding, “he probably should not be our next president either. Just saying.”

Berry’s comments were particularly impactful given their timing; Governor Newsom was scheduled to appear at the very same summit just a few hours later. The legislation at the heart of the controversy, which Newsom vetoed for the second consecutive year in October, was designed to address significant gaps in women’s healthcare. The bill would have required California-based healthcare plans to provide comprehensive recommendations for menopause treatment and, crucially, would have mandated specialized training for medical providers on the subject.

For years, Berry has been a vocal advocate for destigmatizing menopause and improving the standard of care for women in midlife. Through her health and wellness company, Respin, she has worked to raise awareness about a biological transition that affects millions but often remains shrouded in silence and misinformation. During her summit appearance, she framed the legislative defeat as part of a larger societal issue. “In 2025 I, Halle Berry, and women of my age are simply devalued in this country,” she stated, arguing that women face immense pressure “to stay forever 35,” which contributes to the institutional neglect of their evolving health needs.

In response to the actress’s high-profile criticism, Governor Newsom’s office issued a statement defending his decision. Spokesperson Izzy Gardon, speaking to The New York Post, affirmed the governor’s support for the underlying issue but explained the veto as a measure to prevent financial burdens on consumers. “The Governor has deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy,” Gardon said. “He vetoed the bill because, as written, it would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women.” The administration’s position is that while expanding access to menopause care is a priority, it must be done in a way that is economically sustainable. Gardon added that the governor’s office hopes to work toward a solution that achieves this goal while “protecting women from higher bills.”

This clash underscores a growing tension in public policy between expanding healthcare mandates and controlling the rising costs of insurance premiums. Proponents of the bill argue that mandating coverage and provider education is the only way to ensure women receive adequate and modern treatment for menopause symptoms, which can range from disruptive to debilitating. Opponents, including the governor’s office in this case, express caution about the downstream economic effects of such mandates on the affordability of healthcare for all.

The political implications for Governor Newsom are significant. Currently serving his second and final term, which concludes in 2026, Newsom is widely considered a potential contender for the Democratic presidential nomination in 2028. He frequently appears in early polling alongside other prominent figures like Vice President Kamala Harris and Secretary of Transportation Pete Buttigieg. A public dispute with a beloved celebrity over an issue as personal and vital as women’s health could complicate his efforts to build a national coalition. The criticism from Berry, a prominent woman of color, could resonate with key demographic groups within the Democratic party, making the governor’s handling of the situation a test of his political acumen on a national stage. The incident highlights the power of celebrity advocacy to elevate policy debates and hold elected officials accountable in the public square.