Halle Berry Makes Cryptic Social Media Post Amid Custody Battle With Olivier Martinez

Halle Berry shared a pointed message on her Instagram Stories on Monday, coinciding with the ongoing custody battle with her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez.

The post, which did not name Martinez directly, read: “If kids disrespect their moms, the root cause often traces back to the relationship with the father.” Berry subsequently shared content related to Black Cat Awareness Month.

The actresses and Martinez, both 60, have been engaged in a contentious custody dispute since their 2015 divorce. A final agreement on joint legal and physical custody was not reached until eight years later.

Last month, Martinez accused Berry of choking their 13-year-old son, Maceo. Berry has denied these allegations, with her attorney calling them “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading” and accusing Martinez of “erratic, possessive and violent behavior.”

In September, Martinez was temporarily granted primary custody of Maceo. He is currently seeking a domestic violence restraining order and sole custody of their son. Court documents filed by Berry in October claimed that Maceo returns from his father's home “angry and combative.”

Berry is reportedly seeking the reinstatement of their joint physical custody agreement but wants sole legal custody concerning Maceo's education and medical care.

The legal proceedings have involved testimony from both Berry and Martinez, as well as their son Maceo. Berry's fiancé, Van Hunt, and her 18-year-old daughter, Nahla, also testified virtually in support of Berry. Nahla submitted a declaration stating she has “never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way,” while acknowledging her mother can be strict.

Closing arguments in the case are scheduled for Tuesday, with a ruling expected later this week.