Halle Berry's daughter, Nahla Aubry, has defended her mother against accusations of abuse made by Berry's ex-husband, Olivier Martinez. In a declaration filed with Los Angeles Superior Court, Nahla, 18, stated that she has "never witnessed her act violently toward anyone."
Martinez had claimed in a court filing that Berry had been abusive toward their 13-year-old son, Maceo. The claims stem from an alleged September 26 incident involving choking, for which Martinez obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Berry. Berry has denied all allegations.
Nahla, whose father is Berry's ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, asserted in her declaration that she has never seen her mother throw objects or physically abuse Maceo. She described witnessing her mother and Maceo engage in "playfully wrestle, tickle each other, and roll around laughing."
According to Nahla's declaration, she has lived with Maceo for years and has "never witnessed Berry engaging in any conduct remotely resembling the allegations that have been made against her." She characterized her mother as a "loving and devoted parent" who "can be strict when necessary and expects her children to follow rules and be respectful."
Nahla also stated that Berry has always encouraged her children to maintain positive relationships with their fathers and has not spoken negatively about either Aubry or Martinez. She described Berry as "warm, supportive, and deeply involved in our lives," despite her busy career, always making time for her children.
Upon learning of Martinez's allegations, Nahla said she was "shocked, very sad, and very upset." She added, "Having lived with my mom my entire life and having personally observed her relationship with Maceo for years, the allegations are completely inconsistent with the mom I know."
Nahla expressed that she is "heartbroken for Maceo" and angered that Martinez did not consider her feelings when making the allegations public. "I feel like I am an afterthought for Olivier in his quest to destroy my mom," she stated.
Berry herself has filed legal documents in response to Martinez's claims. She requested that the court reinstate a previous 50/50 custody arrangement with Martinez and characterized herself as a victim of domestic violence. In her filing, Berry stated, "I have never physically, emotionally, or otherwise abused Maceo. I am a victim of domestic violence, and I help victims of domestic violence. I am not a perpetrator of violence. I would never hurt our child."
Berry also raised concerns about Martinez's conduct, alleging he makes unilateral decisions regarding Maceo's education and extracurricular activities without her consent and frequently places Maceo in the middle of their conflicts. She claimed that Maceo would act out and become combative after visits with his father.
According to Berry's filing, Martinez has sought to align Maceo with him against her, leading Maceo to express anger towards her over issues discussed privately between the parents. She alleged that Martinez has refused to seek necessary educational and psychoeducational services for their son and uses Maceo's soccer activities to negotiate terms impacting his educational and therapeutic needs.
Berry further claimed that Martinez has attempted to portray her as a risk to their child by communicating false stories to Maceo's teachers and therapists. She believes Martinez's actions and lack of cooperation have been detrimental to Maceo's health and welfare.
On Tuesday, Berry completed a mandated online parenting program called Our Children First amid the ongoing custody battle. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 16.
Berry and Martinez were married from 2013 until their divorce was finalized in 2023. They share son Maceo, 13. Berry also has a daughter, Nahla, 18, from a previous relationship with Gabriel Aubry. She is currently engaged to musician Van Hunt.