Halle Berry's Son, 13, Wants to Testify in Custody Dispute, Ex-Husband Claims

Olivier Martinez, the ex-husband of actress Halle Berry, has stated in a court filing that their 13-year-old son, Maceo, wants to testify regarding a recent incident involving Berry. Martinez obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Berry earlier in October, alleging she had been abusive to their son in a September 26 incident that he claims involved choking. Berry has denied these allegations.

In a declaration filed on Monday, Martinez stated that Maceo expressed concern that "no one will believe him over his mother" concerning the incident. According to Martinez, Maceo took a picture of Berry during the aftermath of the event, explaining that he had been "roughed up" on previous occasions without being believed. Martinez reported that his son showed him the picture, stating it was intended to help ensure his complaint would not be dismissed. Maceo "wants to speak with the court to provide his side of the story," Martinez stated in the court filing, adding that he believes his son "should have the opportunity to have his voice heard regarding what he experienced that night."

Martinez also asserted that Maceo might be discouraged from reporting future issues or potential abuse if he is not allowed to tell his story to the court. He described a filing made by Berry on October 5 as "retaliatory," accusing her of portraying him negatively to secure an emergency filing. Martinez denied obstructing his son from taking medication as recommended by his school, asserting that Maceo's pediatrician and psychiatrist had determined he would not be taking medication at this time.

Berry had previously sought to reinstate a 50/50 custody arrangement after Martinez was granted primary custody. Martinez characterized Berry's claims as an "unfair summary of the record that cherry picked certain aspects of our lengthy litigation" and omitted details that did not reflect favorably on her. He suggested her actions were an attempt to "litigate in the court of public opinion."

Berry recently completed a mandated online parenting program. The next hearing in the custody case is scheduled for October 16. Berry and Martinez met while filming "Dark Tide" in South Africa in 2010, married in 2013, and separated in 2016. Their divorce was finalized in 2023, resulting in joint custody and Berry paying child support.