Halle Berry Kisses Lena Waithe On "Jimmy Kimmel Live!"

BY Erika Marie 13.9K Views
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Lena Waithe, Halle Berry
Waithe said her fiancée gave her a pass for the smooch.

The Chi creator Lena Waithe was the guest host on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Wednesday evening and it was the producer-writer-actress's first time holding down such a gig. During the opening monologue, Waithe told Guillermo, Kimmel's co-host, that she was "feeling a little nervous" and needed some words of encouragement. He said that they could press the "Berry Button" if it was something "berry important," and when they did, actress Halle Berry came to the stage...naturally.

Rocking an Ol' Dirty Bastard tank, Berry lavished Waithe with motivation. The lights dimmed and she said, "I know that you are a force of nature. You are a beautiful African American queen." The crowd cheered as she continued, "Lena, tonight you are a writer, an actor, a producer, and tonight you are a late night comedian and you 'bout to slay. And you already winnin' girl 'cause you are dressed way better than Jimmy ever was."

Berry then asked if Waithe is good or if she needs something else. Waithe replies that she's good, but Berry disagrees, grabs Waithe's face and brings her in for a kiss. The host shared a clip of the moment on her Instagram page and a concerned commenter was ready to fight. Waithe has been engaged to film production executive Alana Mayo since 2017 and the commenter though Berry was being disrespectful. Waithe replied, "Alana gave me a pass." 

Actress Issa Rae also weighed in by writing, "Uhhh WHAT?" while Janelle Monae couldn't even find words as she just typed, "🗣🗣🗣🗣bgybugcgicgucug uf." Famed director Ava DuVernay stated, "Wait. What’s. Going. On?!?! What is your LIIIIIIFE! Dude!" Check out the full encounter below.


About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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