Halle Berry Denies Ex's Abuse Claims, Calls Son's Photo Evidence 'Eerie'

Halle Berry has refuted claims made by her ex-husband Olivier Martinez that she physically abused their 13-year-old son, Maceo, asserting that a photograph submitted as evidence does not corroborate the allegations. Martinez, who previously obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Berry, claimed Maceo took a picture of Berry during the aftermath of a September 26 incident.

In a responsive declaration filed Tuesday, Berry stated the image does not show any abuse, injury, or danger. She described it as depicting her "standing calmly, with her hands in her pockets, several feet away from Maceo." Martinez had argued in a filing that Maceo took the photo because he feared his account of previous incidents had not been believed.

Berry contends that the photograph, submitted by Martinez as proof of an incident, does not reveal any redness, bruising, or marks on Maceo's neck to support the allegation that she strangled him. The actress previously stated in a court filing that her boyfriend, Van Hunt, was the only other adult witness present during the September 26 events.

Martinez's lawyer, Patrick Baghdaserians, stated that Martinez believes it is in Maceo's best interest for the court to have all information regarding the incident. He added that Maceo wishes to testify to share his side of the story and expressed concern that preventing him from doing so might discourage him from reporting future issues. Baghdaserians anticipates Berry will attempt to prevent Maceo from addressing the court directly.

However, Berry argued in her declaration that requiring Maceo to testify would place him in the middle of a contentious dispute between his parents and risk further harm to his emotional well-being. She also clarified that Hunt did not inspect Maceo for injuries but rather stated he did not observe any redness or bruising, distinguishing this from a direct inspection.

Berry further stated in her declaration that Maceo's conduct at school has deteriorated since the temporary restraining order was issued, becoming "increasingly oppositional, defiant and disrespectful," leading to a week of disciplinary detention. She had previously sought to reinstate a 50/50 custody arrangement after Martinez was granted primary custody. Berry recently completed a mandated online parenting program as part of the ongoing custody battle. The next hearing in the case is scheduled for October 16.

Berry and Martinez met in 2010 and married in 2013. They welcomed their son the same year and separated in 2016. Their divorce was finalized in 2023, resulting in joint custody and child support payments from Berry.