Halle Berry faces temporary custody restriction as ex-husband accuses her of abusing their son

A new legal dispute has involved Halle Berry and her former husband, Olivier Martinez, this time over custody of their 12-year-old son, Maceo.

A Los Angeles court has temporarily granted Martinez primary custody of the boy after he accused Berry of physically abusing the child. The actress’s representatives have strongly denied the allegations, describing them as “completely unfounded.”

Under the temporary ruling, Berry may see Maceo twice during the week and every other weekend. The case will return for review at a hearing scheduled for October 16.

Martinez claims that there have been several incidents of physical altercations between Berry and their son over the past 18 months. He alleges that the actress grabbed Maceo by the neck on several occasions, presenting the act as play, although the child did not experience it that way.

One of the more serious allegations concerns an incident that, according to Martinez, took place in Maceo’s room while the boy was using a virtual reality device.

In his statement, Martinez says Berry entered the room and began pushing the boy before the situation escalated further. According to him, she insulted Maceo and grabbed him by the throat while shouting: “Who is in charge now?” Martinez claims that the boy managed to get away and began screaming.

The court documents also contain the allegation that Van Hunt, Berry’s current partner, entered the room and helped Maceo. Martinez says the boy later called him and asked him to come and pick him up immediately.

The allegations have been denied by Halle Berry’s side. Marina Beck, the actress’s attorney, described Martinez’s request as “completely unfounded.” Meanwhile, a source close to Berry said that her former husband was trying to harm her through the dispute involving their son.

Berry and Martinez separated in 2015, while their divorce was officially finalized in 2023, following several years of disagreements in court.

A year earlier, in 2024, Berry had sought sole custody of Maceo. She argued that the boy was experiencing problems at school and had special educational needs, while claiming that Martinez did not understand or was neglecting these difficulties.

At the October 16 hearing, both sides are expected to present their evidence and arguments. The court will review the temporary protective order, as well as the issue of Maceo’s custody.