Halle Berry Denies Abuse Claims as Daughter Defends Her in Custody Battle

Halle Berry has denied allegations from ex-husband Olivier Martinez that she choked their 13-year-old son Maceo during a September 26 incident involving a virtual reality game. Martinez filed for a temporary restraining order and sole custody on October 1, claiming Berry jumped on Maceo, put her hands around his neck, and shouted "Who is dominant now?" A judge granted the temporary order, modifying the 2023 shared custody agreement.

Berry responded in court documents stating she would never hurt their child and described herself as a domestic violence survivor. She said she entered Maceo's room to end his game session and began filming him; when he grabbed her phone, they engaged in "playful roughhousing" that escalated. Berry admitted the wrestling intensified but denied any choking or abuse.

“I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way”

The couple's 18-year-old daughter Nahla Aubry filed a declaration on October 3 in Los Angeles Superior Court defending her mother. "I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way," she wrote. Nahla described Berry as a loving, involved parent who attended Maceo's games and advocated for his education.

Berry has asked the court to reinstate the 50/50 custody arrangement and require Martinez to attend court-ordered therapy sessions. She accused him of damaging her relationship with Maceo, who returns home "angry and combative" after visits with his father. The previous agreement required Berry to pay $8,000 monthly in child support plus 4.3 percent of income above $2 million.