March 20, 2025, 02:23 AM PDT – In a shocking twist that has set Hollywood abuzz, Halle Berry reportedly turned down an opportunity to present an award alongside Whoopi Goldberg at the 97th Academy Awards, held earlier this month on March 2. According to a now-deleted Threads post from the account us_24hr_report, Berry declined the pairing, allegedly stating, “She’s not a nice person,” igniting a firestorm of speculation about a hidden feud between the two Oscar-winning icons. While Berry has since slammed the rumor as “made-up nonsense,” the claim has thrust their past interactions—and the 2025 Oscars—back into the spotlight.

The Alleged Snub

The rumor surfaced on March 6, just days after the Oscars ceremony at the Dolby Theatre in Hollywood, where both Berry and Goldberg appeared as presenters—but in separate segments. Berry, 58, kicked off a tribute to the James Bond franchise, reflecting her iconic role as Jinx in Die Another Day (2002), while Goldberg, 69, joined Oprah Winfrey to honor the late Quincy Jones. The Threads post suggested that producers had initially planned for the two to share the stage, only for Berry to refuse, citing personal disdain for Goldberg.

“Halle Berry Refused to Present an Oscar Along with Whoopi Goldberg: ‘She’s Not a Nice Person,’” the post read, quickly amassing thousands of likes and shares before its removal. Fans on X and Threads erupted, with some praising Berry’s supposed candor—“Whoopi’s a loudmouth, good for Halle!”—while others decried it as petty gossip. The claim gained traction due to the actresses’ storied histories as trailblazers: Berry as the first Black woman to win Best Actress (for Monster’s Ball in 2001) and Goldberg as an EGOT winner, including a Best Supporting Actress Oscar for Ghost (1990).

Berry’s Swift Denial

Berry didn’t let the rumor fester. Hours after it spread, she fired back on Threads, writing, “This is totally not true—it’s made up nonsense! I don’t know who makes this s— up!” Her blunt rebuttal rallied supporters, with one fan replying, “They always trying to stir ish up—don’t fall for it!” Another added, “I knew it was BS from the jump.” The actress’s clapback aligns with her history of tackling trolls head-on, from shutting down ageist critics to defending her personal life on social media.

Goldberg has yet to comment publicly, but sources close to The View co-host say she’s unfazed. “Whoopi’s been through worse—she’s not sweating this,” an insider told People. The lack of prior evidence of tension between the two—coupled with a 2019 photo of them smiling together at Tyler Perry Studios’ grand opening—casts further doubt on the claim.

A History of Harmony—or Hidden Grudges?

Despite the denial, some fans point to a possible undercurrent of friction tied to Berry’s 2002 Oscar win. That night, Goldberg hosted the ceremony and later made a sarcastic quip on The View about Berry’s emotional acceptance speech, where she omitted mention of prior Black actress winners like Goldberg and Hattie McDaniel. In a 2007 Dutch TV interview, Goldberg hinted at lingering annoyance, saying, “Halle apparently forgot that,” when asked about Berry’s “door-opening” narrative. Could this decades-old slight have festered into a secret rift?

Analysts aren’t convinced. “There’s no beef here—just tabloid bait,” says entertainment writer Kimberlee Speakman of People. “They’ve crossed paths plenty without drama.” Indeed, both appeared at the 2025 Oscars without incident, earning praise for their poise—Berry in a sheer gown echoing her 2002 look, and Goldberg radiant beside her daughter, Alex Martin.

Oscars Aftermath and AI Rumors

The rumor’s timing—post-Oscars, amid a flurry of presenter announcements—suggests it may have been a calculated stir. The Academy had tapped Berry, Goldberg, and stars like Robert Downey Jr. and Cynthia Erivo to present, with no hint of discord during rehearsals. Some speculate the Threads post was an AI-generated hoax, a growing trend after similar fake stories, like Keanu Reeves allegedly snubbing Goldberg in 2024, were debunked as satire from sites like Dunning-Kruger Times.

“If this was real, we’d have seen it on the telecast or in leaks from crew,” notes CinemaBlend’s Sean O’Connell. “It’s too juicy to stay quiet.” The Academy declined to comment beyond its standard presenter list, leaving the rumor’s origin a mystery.

What’s Next for Berry and Goldberg?

For now, Berry’s focus remains on her career, with buzz around her upcoming action flick The Union and reflections on her Oscar legacy—she recently told Trevor Noah she’s “tired” of being the lone Black Best Actress winner. Goldberg, meanwhile, continues her reign on The View and teases Sister Act 3, shrugging off the noise.

Whether a fabricated jab or a fleeting misunderstanding, the “feud” has reignited fascination with two of Hollywood’s most enduring stars. As Berry put it, “Stop lying!”—a plea that might just quiet the rumor mill. Or not. In Tinseltown, even denials keep the story alive.