Halle Berry’s legal team responded Thursday to serious abuse allegations raised by her ex‑husband, actor Olivier Martinez, in a petition seeking sole custody of their 12‑year‑old son, Maceo. Marina Beck, Berry’s attorney, described the claims as “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading,” and pointed to a history of Martinez violating court orders.
Allegations and legal background
Martinez filed a temporary restraining order against Berry and is also pursuing sole custody, alleging that Berry physically assaulted Maceo by jumping on him, placing her hands around his neck, and choking him. He cited an incident on September 26, 2026, and claimed additional episodes of physical, verbal, and emotional abuse over the past several years.
In the filing, Martinez asserted that Berry entered their son’s room, criticized him for wearing virtual‑reality goggles, and then allegedly attacked and choked him while shouting, “Who is dominant now?!” He also requested that Berry undergo sobriety testing before, during, and after any visitation.
Attorney’s response
Beck countered that there is “voluminous evidence, including numerous judicial rulings,” showing Martinez repeatedly breached court orders and interfered with therapeutic and educational interventions for Maceo. She characterized Martinez’s behavior as “erratic, possessive and violent,” and said Berry is accustomed to such conduct but will not let it deter her from protecting her son’s best interests.
Under the current court order, Berry must stay at least 100 yards from Martinez and may see Maceo only during court‑ordered visitations—two days a week and every other weekend—until a hearing scheduled for October 16. Both parties have also been ordered to attend confidential mediation regarding custody.
Financial and custodial arrangements
The 2023 divorce settlement requires Berry to pay roughly $8,000 per month in child support, plus 4.3% of any income exceeding $2 million. She also covers Maceo’s private‑school tuition, extracurricular activities, and health‑care costs. Martinez is obligated to make reasonable efforts to find employment and contribute financially.
Maceo splits his time between both parents during the week, alternating weekends, with limited phone or video contact before bedtime, as outlined in a 33‑page judgment. Both parents are prohibited from speaking negatively about each other in front of their son.
Broader context
The dispute highlights the challenges of high‑profile custody battles, where allegations of abuse can become entangled with ongoing legal battles over visitation, financial support, and parental conduct. While Martinez’s claims have yet to be proven in court, Berry’s legal team emphasizes the importance of maintaining stability for Maceo amid the litigation.
Representatives for Martinez did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Original reporting: Fox News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
