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Halle Berry on why she’s proud of Rihanna

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-11-20 15:10

LOS ANGELES, Calif. -- Halle Berry has experienced the pain of domestic violence first hand and has been very vocal about it.

And for the first time – in an interview with Access Hollywood’s Maria Menounos – the Oscar winner spoke about what happened to Rihanna.

“Recently, Rihanna stepped forward and obviously she had an issue with domestic violence. She was able to get away which isn’t often the easiest thing,” Maria said to Halle.

“Any time a woman frees herself from that kind of bondage and that kind of situation I’m proud,” Halle said.

After surviving a childhood plagued by domestic violence against her mother at the hands of her father, and having been a victim of abuse herself, Halle’s passion has been to support women who are able to break the cycle of violence.

“Halle speaks so from the heart about her experiences with domestic violence,” photographer Mark Liddell added as he stood next to Halle. “It’s incredible.

Halle is joining with Liddell to help launch his debut book, “Exposed: 10 Years In Hollywood.”

Some proceeds from the book benefit the Jenesse Center, a domestic violence organization for which Halle is a passionate advocate.

Inside the pages, the sultry silk laden star joins a sizzling Janet Jackson, Charlize Theron and Matthew McConaughey.

Halle has been busy balancing her career with motherhood. Her gorgeous daughter Nahla is the perfect hybrid of mom and dad – Calvin Klein model Gabriel Aubry. And recently, Halle revealed she is mentally prepared to expand her “family.”

“I hear you’re working on baby No. 2?” Maria asked.

“Not my real baby, but my career baby and it’s called Pure Orchid,” Halle said smiling — referring to her new fragrance. “I have to say it’s pretty.”