Halle Berry’s Ex Seeks Sole Custody After Accusing Her of Abusing Their 12-Year-Old Son

Nationwide — Halle Berry is facing a new custody dispute after her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, accused her of physically abusing their 12-year-old son, Maceo. He has asked the court for sole custody and a temporary restraining order, claiming her alleged actions caused their son emotional and mental distress. Berry’s legal team has denied the allegations and accused Martinez of presenting a misleading version of events.

Martinez made the allegations in court documents related to his request for a domestic violence restraining order, according to People. He claimed Berry physically attacked Maceo on Sept. 26, 2026, alleging that she jumped on him, put her hands around his neck and choked him. Martinez called the incident the latest in a series of alleged problems involving physical abuse. He also claimed similar incidents had happened during the previous several years.

The filing includes text messages that show the former couple arguing about Maceo and his relationship with his mother. Martinez told Berry that their son wanted to be picked up earlier than planned and asked if she agreed. Berry allegedly responded that she was not okay with the request and questioned why Maceo would want to leave her. She also said he had been disrespectful toward her and complained that he treated her as though she had no authority as his mother.

The exchange continued the next day when Berry reportedly contacted Martinez and asked him to encourage Maceo to speak with her. She said she felt terrible about what had happened the night before and believed their son felt bad about it too. Martinez’s attorney, Patrick Baghdaserians, said his client’s main concern is protecting Maceo’s health, safety and well-being. He also said Martinez believes Berry should get appropriate help so she can address the issues raised in the dispute.

Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, has strongly rejected Martinez’s claims. She called the court filing “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading” and said Berry would continue focusing on Maceo’s best interests. The competing claims could now bring their long-running custody arrangement back before the court as a judge considers Martinez’s request.

Berry and Martinez married in 2013 and filed for divorce in October 2015. Their divorce was finalized in 2023, with the former couple agreeing to share legal custody of Maceo. Under their divorce agreement, Berry pays Martinez $8,000 each month in child support. She also covers Maceo’s private school tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and extracurricular activities, along with an additional 4.3% of any income she receives above $2 million. Berry also has an 18-year-old daughter, Nahla, whom she shares with her former partner Gabriel Aubry.

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