Halle Berry has addressed the recent criticism of her Mother’s Day Instagram video, which featured a candid, intimate moment with her boyfriend Van Hunt, igniting debate among followers about appropriate Mother’s Day celebrations. The controversy unfolded after Berry posted the behind-the-scenes glimpse from France, sparking conversation around her personal choices and how public figures should express love on social media, with
“Halle Berry responds to criticism of Mother’s Day Instagram video”
at the heart of the story.
Backlash Erupts Over Berry’s Intimate Mother’s Day Post
During a June 4 appearance on Today With Jenna & Friends, Berry revealed she was surprised by the negative feedback that followed her Mother’s Day post. With Van Hunt by her side in the video, Berry, 58, candidly addressed those who felt her sultry Instagram content was inappropriate for the occasion. She said,
“Other women got in their feelings and [said], ‘Was it right for her to be in her bed, talking about spinning with her man?’ Yes,”
—Halle Berry, Actress. She clarified to the talk show hosts that “spinning” referred to sexual intimacy, emphasizing her right to define her own Mother’s Day.
Berry reiterated,
“And they were saying, ‘Should she be talking about that on Mother’s Day? Shouldn’t she be with her kids somewhere?’ First of all, it’s not Kids’ Day. It’s called Mother’s Day. Kids’ Day is every day for years. That’s my day, and if I want to be in bed and spin with my man, then that’s what I’m gonna do.”
—Halle Berry, Actress.
Inside the Controversial Instagram Video
The Instagram video was filmed in France, where Berry and Hunt, 55, were attending the Cannes Film Festival. In the post, Berry shared her plans for the end of her Mother’s Day celebrations, cozying up to Hunt in bed. She revealed a travel-size version of Respin’s and Joylux Let’s Spin intimacy gel, explaining it would be in use that evening. Hunt playfully chimed in, saying,
“I wish you’d hurry up too.”
—Van Hunt, Musician. At the close of the video, he also added,
“I ain’t ever been so happy to have Mother’s Day come to an end.”
—Van Hunt, Musician, which made Berry laugh.
Berry Defends Her Right to Celebrate How She Chooses
On Today With Jenna & Friends, Berry pushed back against critics who took issue with her open conversation about intimacy, especially on a platform like Instagram, often labeled as family-friendly. She told the audience,
“the most natural thing that we do as women, as men.”
—Halle Berry, Actress. Addressing those offended by her comments, she continued,
“For people to be offended by that, saying, ‘Instagram is a family channel,’ well, yeah, and we should be allowed to talk about this in our families. We have sex. … And scientifically, it’s really important that men and women still keep having orgasms and having sex into their later years because that’s how we stay healthy. That’s really a key component to longevity.”
—Halle Berry, Actress.
Berry firmly stated that the post didn’t cross any boundaries or display inappropriate behavior, describing it simply as a couple lying in bed together. Jenna Bush Hager, who co-hosted the discussion, agreed, defending the couple’s right to display affection without facing harsh judgment from the public.
Reframing Love and Vulnerability in Public
Berry closed out her statements on the show by reinforcing the importance of expressing and celebrating love, saying,
“It should be OK to celebrate that and not be criticized for talking about love in a time like this, in a world like this, today. I’m sorry,”
—Halle Berry, Actress.
“We should talk more about loving each other and not fighting. Whoever didn’t like it, so what?”
—Halle Berry, Actress.
A Glimpse Into Berry and Hunt’s Relationship
Later in the episode, Berry provided more insight into her relationship with Hunt, marking a milestone as they gave their first joint interview. She proudly announced,
“We’ve been doing this for five years together, so this is like the longest relationship I’ve ever had,”
—Halle Berry, Actress, referencing her past marriages to David Justice, Eric Benét, and Olivier Martinez. She added,
“When you find your person, you find your person,”
—Halle Berry, Actress, and shared,
“And I now have found my person, finally.”
—Halle Berry, Actress.
Hunt offered his perspective on their daily rituals, explaining that they often spend the end of the day
“talking at the end of the night with a little glass of wine.”
—Van Hunt, Musician, showing a glimpse of the comfort and companionship they share.
The Impact of Berry’s Stance and What Comes Next
Halle Berry’s response—fueled by frustration and strong conviction—highlights ongoing debates about public displays of affection, social norms, and the right to celebrate personal milestones authentically, even for famous figures. Her pushback against critics brings attention to evolving conversations about family, intimacy, and the boundaries of social media, with Berry and Hunt’s relationship at the center of this cultural dialogue. As the story continues to spark conversations online, Berry’s willingness to address criticism directly may influence how other celebrities navigate sharing their private lives in the digital age, especially when it intersects with widely celebrated occasions like Mother’s Day.
