Olivier Martinez Confronted with Prior Statement Denying Domestic Violence Claims Against Halle Berry

Olivier Martinez was confronted with his own sworn statement denying any history of domestic violence between himself and Halle Berry during cross-examination in Los Angeles Superior Court on Thursday. The court session marked the fourth consecutive day of proceedings in the former couple's custody dispute and domestic violence restraining order hearing.

Martinez, 60, was questioned by Berry's attorney, Marina Beck, about allegations that the actress, also 60, had abused him over the course of their relationship, including incidents he claimed dated back a decade. Martinez affirmed he was alleging abuse dating back 10 years and further alleged abuse in 2023, including statements Berry purportedly made to their 13-year-old son, Maceo.

However, Beck presented Martinez with a declaration he signed under penalty of perjury on Sept. 30, 2024, in which he stated, "There is no history of domestic violence between the parties." After Martinez confirmed the signature was his, Beck read the statement aloud and asked if it was true when he made it, to which he replied, "Correct."

The exchange highlighted an apparent inconsistency between Martinez's previous sworn statement and his current allegations. Martinez's attorney, Patrick Baghdaserians, stated that the September 2024 declaration was related to a financial request for attorneys' fees and not the custody dispute. He explained that at the time of the declaration, no restraining order had been requested or entered, making the statement accurate regarding the absence of domestic violence restraining orders.

Berry testified earlier Thursday in a closed courtroom before Martinez's cross-examination. The courtroom was later cleared when the questioning turned to confidential matters involving their son, Maceo. This testimony followed nearly four hours of testimony from Maceo earlier in the week, which was also conducted behind closed doors.

Martinez had accused Berry of choking their son during an alleged altercation at her home on Sept. 26, claiming it was part of a larger pattern of abusive behavior. He stated that Maceo contacted him after the incident, pleading to be picked up. A judge had previously granted Martinez a temporary domestic violence restraining order, giving him primary custody of Maceo and restricting Berry's time with their son.

Berry's legal team has vehemently denied Martinez's claims, calling them "entirely meritless and deliberately misleading." In court documents, Berry's team accused Martinez of interfering with their son's education and therapeutic care and involving Maceo in their disputes. Berry is seeking to dismiss Martinez's restraining order request, lift the temporary restrictions, and regain sole legal custody, as well as restore their previous 50-50 physical custody arrangement.

Berry and Martinez married in July 2013 and divorced in October 2015. Their divorce proceedings concluded in August 2023 with a settlement that included shared joint legal and physical custody of Maceo. Berry was ordered to pay Martinez $8,000 per month in child support and cover their son’s tuition and other expenses as part of that agreement.

Berry's 18-year-old daughter from a previous relationship, Nahla Aubry, has also defended her mother in a court declaration, stating she never witnessed Berry abuse her younger brother.