Newsom Responds to Halle Berry’s Criticism

California Governor Gavin Newsom is addressing the strong words from actress Halle Berry, who recently accused him of overlooking and devaluing women. The Oscar winner voiced her criticism after Newsom vetoed a menopause care act that Berry has been passionately advocating for.

Newsom’s Office Responds to Berry’s Claims

In a statement released by Newsom’s office, they expressed “deep admiration for Ms. Berry’s advocacy on women’s issues.” The statement continued, “He looks forward to working with her and other stakeholders on this critical issue.” According to People magazine, the Governor’s office explained that the bill was vetoed because, as written, it “would have unintentionally raised health care costs for millions of working women already stretched thin.”

Newsom’s team is confident that collaboration can lead to expanded access to essential menopause treatments while simultaneously protecting women from increased medical expenses. They are determined to find a solution that benefits everyone.

Berry’s Public Critique

Halle Berry made headlines earlier this week during her appearance at The New York Times Dealbook Summit. The longtime women’s health advocate didn’t mince words when calling out Governor Newsom for vetoing the Menopause Care Equity Act for the second year in a row. She even questioned his rumored presidential aspirations.

“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 at the summit. She added, “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.”

Newsom Addresses the Veto Directly

Newsom, who also attended the summit, addressed Berry’s comments later at Newark Airport in New Jersey. He asserted that he is not dismissing women’s health needs and revealed that plans were already in motion to revisit the legislation. “We have the ability to reconcile that, so we’re reconciling. I’ve included it in next year’s budget,” he told a reporter, adding, “We already were in the process of fixing it. She didn’t know that.”