Gilbert Flores/WWD via Getty Images and Frazer Harrison/Getty Images
On the heels of Drake utilizing a photo of Halle Berry to promote a track without her consent, the actress is explaining her gripe and pushing back against those who are taking Drizzy’s side.
The matter all began once Drake unveiled a promotional photo for his “Slime You Out” single, featuring SZA, which dropped on Friday (Sept. 15). This single arrived ahead of his For All the Dogs album, which will arrive on Oct. 6.
The image of Halle is specifically from the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids’ Choice Awards, and it features her getting “slimed” with the channel’s iconic green substance.
Following Drake’s upload, Halle Berry came thru with a post of her own, which read, “Sometimes you have to be the bigger guy… even if you’re a woman!”
Down in the comment section, Halle confirmed that Drake “didn’t get [her] permission” to use the image, which she called “not cool.”
After noting that she “thought better of him,” she confirmed that her post was about Drake.
“Hence my post… When people you admire disappoint you you have to be the bigger person and move on!”
As buzz about the situation grew, Halle responded to fans and further explained her issue with the Drake matter.
While some pointed out that Getty Images lets people purchase rights to use a photo, Halle said that her gripe lies with Drake asking her for permission and allegedly disregarding her answer.
“He asked me and I said NO… Why ask if you intend to do what you want to do! That was the f**k you to me. Not cool.”
The actress went on to say that it’s all about “principles and integrity” before confirming, “I didn’t like that image of slime all over my face in association with the song. And he chose to do it anyway.”
Nonetheless, she said she’s “not interested in suing” but instead wants women to get “the respect [they] deserve.”
While it was clearly on and poppin’ on Instagram, the discourse naturally carried over to X, formerly known as Twitter.
One user got things poppin’ by saying Halle was “p*ssed” after Drake “gave her free clout.”
In response, users swiftly swarmed to say Ms. Halle Berry — the first (and, so far, only) Black woman to win an Oscar in the Best Actress category — doesn’t need “free clout.”
Regarding the legality of Drake’s move, people also pushed back and said the issue was more profound and centered on “respect.”
One user proclaimed, “This is exactly what happens when women speak up… Our autonomy does not exist to a lot of y’all.”
