Halle Berry, the Academy Award-winning actress, has publicly criticized rapper Drake for using an image of her without her consent for the cover of his latest single. Berry took to Instagram on Friday, where she posted a text note that read, "Sometimes you have to be the bigger guy... even if you're a woman!". Screenshots shared on social media showed a user questioning Berry about her thoughts on Drake using an image of her being slimed at the 2012 Nickelodeon Kids' Choice Awards as promo art for his single "Slime You Out," featuring SZA.
Berry made it clear that she was not happy about the unauthorized use of her image. In response to the commenter, Berry replied, "Didn't get my permission. That's not cool I thought better of him!". She continued to express her disappointment in another comment, stating, "When people you admire disappoint you, you have to be the bigger person and move on."
Another Instagram user questioned why Berry was upset when she does not hold the rights to the photograph, which is owned by Getty Images. Berry explained that Drake had personally reached out to her to ask for permission, and she explicitly told him it was not okay to use the image. She stated, "Cuz he asked me and I said NO that's why. Why ask if you intend to do what you want to do! That was the f*** you to me. Not cool You get it?".
As of now, Drake has not publicly commented on the cover art controversy, and the image remains on his Instagram feed. CBS News reached out to Drake's representatives for comment, but there has been no response.
On the same day that Drake released his single, Berry took to Instagram once again, sharing a quote that read, "Sometimes you have to be the bigger guy...". The post seemed to allude to her disappointment with Drake's actions. Berry's fans and followers expressed their support for her in the comments, with many praising her for standing up for herself.
It is worth noting that Drake's latest single, "Slime You Out," featuring SZA, was released on September 15. The song is part of his upcoming eighth studio album, titled "For All the Dogs," which is scheduled to be released on October 6.
ABC News has reached out to representatives for Drake and SZA for comment, but there has been no response. The controversy surrounding the unauthorized use of Halle Berry's image for the single's cover art has sparked a debate about the importance of obtaining permission and respecting artists' wishes.
