Actress Sharon Stone tearfully claimed Thursday night that she lost “half” her fortune in the recent economic upheaval caused by the failure of Silicon Valley Bank and Signature Bank of New York.
Stone spoke about the financial hit she took while urging attendees to make donations to cancer research during a speech at the Women’s Cancer Research Fund’s star-studded fundraising gala in Beverly Hills.
“I know that thing that you have to get on and figure out how to text the money is difficult,” Stone said during her speech. “I’m a technical idiot, but I can write an (expletive) check. And right now, that’s courage, too, because I know what’s happening. I just lost half my money to this banking thing, and that doesn’t mean that I’m not here.”
The “Basic Instinct” star did not elaborate on her financial situation or exactly what caused her personal losses days after SVB and Signature Bank imploded in what were the second- and third-largest bank failures in US history, respectively.
The feds stepped in to guarantee all deposits held at the two banks, whether insured or otherwise, making it unlikely that the actress could have lost money tied to either firm.
Still, fears of spreading contagion prompted a run on regional banks and significant stock plunges this week, raising the possibility that her losses could be tied to the selloff that has occurred in the days since the banks failed.
The Post could not independently verify her claims and has reached out for comment.
Stone, who received the Courage Award from the nonprofit, gave an emotional account of her own battle with breast cancer and praise for other survivors in the room. The speech ended in a standing ovation.
Stone also made reference to her brother, Patrick, who died last month at age 57 from heart disease, according to the Hollywood Reporter.
“My brother just died, and that doesn’t mean that I’m not here. This is not an easy time for any of us,” Stone said. “This is a hard time in the world, but I’m telling you what, I’m not having some politician tell me what I can and cannot do. How I can and cannot live, and what the value of my life is and is not. So stand up. Stand up and say what you’re worth. I dare you. That’s what courage is.”