Halle Berry's Instagram Post Sparks Court Dispute in Custody Battle
Olivier Martinez's attorney sought to question actress over a social media message, calling it a violation of a restraining order.
A temporary restraining order dispute in Halle Berry's custody battle with ex-Olivier Martinez escalated Tuesday when Martinez's attorney accused the actress of violating the order with an Instagram post.
Patrick Baghdaserians, representing Martinez, asked Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Shelley Kaufman to reopen evidence so he could question Berry about a social media message posted Monday. The post appeared amid the former couple's legal fight over their 13-year-old son, Maceo.
Berry's attorney, Marina Beck, called the request a "witch hunt" and a "last-minute grasp at straws." She suggested the request was intentionally made in open court before reporters.
Baghdaserians argued the post, which appeared on Berry's account immediately after evidence closed, was "disturbing my client’s peace, disturbing my client’s calm." Judge Kaufman denied the motion to reopen evidence.
The courtroom clash occurred a day after an Instagram Story on Berry's account read, "If kids disrespect their moms, the root cause often traces back to the relationship with the father." The post has since been deleted.
The court adjourned shortly before noon, with a decision expected Thursday in the nearly two-week hearing. The ongoing legal battle has become increasingly contentious, with Martinez seeking sole custody of Maceo and a domestic violence restraining order against Berry.
Martinez has accused Berry of physically abusing Maceo, alleging she choked their son on Sept. 26. A judge granted Martinez a temporary restraining order on Oct. 1, along with temporary primary physical custody and restrictions on Berry's parenting time. The order has since been extended.
Berry has denied the allegations, with her attorney stating Martinez's filing is "entirely meritless and deliberately misleading." Berry has countered that Martinez has interfered with Maceo's education and therapeutic care and drawn their son into their legal dispute. She is seeking to dismiss the restraining order request, restore 50-50 physical custody, and gain sole legal authority over their son's educational and medical decisions.