Halle Berry Addresses Rumors on Armchair Expert

In a candid conversation on Dax Shepard’s popular podcast "Armchair Expert," Halle Berry, the iconic 58-year-old actress, took the opportunity to finally address persistent rumors suggesting a romantic fling with her "Monster's Ball" co-star, Billy Bob Thornton.

Rumors Clarified

Berry, who made history as the first Black woman to win the Academy Award for Best Actress for her performance in the 2001 film, clarified that the rumors are entirely unfounded. "We had this very explicit love scene," she explained, referring to the intimate moments shared between their characters, Leticia Musgrove and Hank Grotowski. Despite the intensity of their on-screen connection, Berry emphasized, "There’s an urban legend that we really were f–king. I’ve heard it, and it’s just not true. It’s secretly driven me mad all these years."

Complex Relationship in the Film

In "Monster's Ball," Berry portrays Leticia, a widow grappling with loss, who finds herself entangled in a complex relationship with corrections officer Hank, portrayed by Thornton. Their relationship blossoms amidst shared grief, leading to a passionate, steamy scene that remains iconic in cinematic history. However, Berry expressed her frustration that this scene has been misinterpreted as indicative of a real-life affair.

Expectations of Realism in Acting

"The expectation that you can’t just be a good actor and make it look real is frustrating," Berry lamented. She also pointed out that Thornton was married to actress Angelina Jolie at the time of filming, adding, "I know Angie, and she ain’t signing off on that. I’m a girl’s girl. I’ll do a lot of things, but I’m not gonna sleep with your man."

Thornton's Response to the Speculation

Thornton himself has also weighed in on the speculation, stating on "Sway in the Morning" back in 2012, "No, we’re actors. We do the job that we’re required to do, and we were both very professional about it." He humorously remarked that while they were simply acting, “It’s not like you can’t dream though.”

Addressing Other Relationship Rumors

Berry used this podcast appearance as a platform to dismiss additional rumors surrounding her past relationships, including mythic claims that she dated director Spike Lee or comedian Eddie Murphy. "Those are rumors too," she asserted. She even addressed a false allegation from professional wrestler Ric Flair, who had claimed a romantic encounter with her in 1997.

Reflections on Marriages and Relationships

“They gotta link you to somebody. I’ve been married enough times,” Berry reflected, noting her three marriages to MLB star David Justice, R&B singer Eric Benét, and French actor Olivier Martinez. She added, "You don’t need to add on other things to me that have not happened. Just pick from the ones that are there."

Current Relationship and Public Scrutiny

Currently, Berry is in a loving relationship with singer and record producer Van Hunt, with whom she has shared glimpses of joy on social media. As she sets the record straight on these rumors, Berry continues to navigate the complexities of public scrutiny, proving her resilience as both an actress and a woman in the spotlight.