Halle Berry Loses Primary Custody After Ex-Husband's Abuse Allegations
SingTao · 1 SOURCESabout 3 hours ago2 MIN
Summary
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry has been stripped of her shared custody rights to her 12-year-old son Maceo after her French actor ex-husband Olivier Martinez accused her of physical abuse, including allegedly grabbing the boy by the neck during a VR gaming incident. A Los Angeles court granted Martinez a temporary domestic violence restraining order on Thursday, requiring Berry to maintain 100 yards distance from both her ex-husband and son. Berry's lawyers have rejected the allegations as "completely unfounded" and "deliberately misleading," announcing she will continue fighting for her son's best interests. The case is scheduled to resume on October 16 .
Key Points
- Martinez filed explosive court documents on Thursday accusing Berry of "lunging at her son and grabbing his neck" during a September 26 altercation over VR gaming
- The restraining order protects both Martinez and Maceo, mandating Berry stay 100 yards away and limiting her visitation to daytime meetings every two days plus alternate weekends
- Berry's legal team claims Martinez has repeatedly violated court orders and interfered with Maceo's necessary treatment and education
- According to court filings, the boy texted Martinez during the incident, saying "pick me up," and was retrieved while Berry's current boyfriend Van Hunt was present
- The former couple married in 2013, separated in 2015, and their divorce proceedings dragged on for eight years; Martinez was awarded $8,000 monthly in child support in August 2023
Why It Matters
This high-profile custody battle highlights how domestic abuse allegations—even from an acrimonious divorce—can trigger swift judicial action affecting parental rights. Berry's countersuit against the abuse claims underscores the complexity of contested custody cases where courts must balance protecting children while ensuring both parents receive fair treatment under law .
This high-profile custody battle highlights how domestic abuse allegations—even from an acrimonious divorce—can trigger swift judicial action affecting parental rights. Berry's countersuit against the abuse claims underscores the complexity of contested custody cases where courts must balance protecting children while ensuring both parents receive fair treatment under law .