Halle Berry's Ex-Husband Seeks Restraining Order, Alleges Son's Distress

Olivier Martinez, the former husband of Hollywood star Halle Berry, has formally requested sole legal custody of their son, Maceo, who is 12 years old. Court filings indicate that Martinez, 60, submitted a request for a temporary restraining order against the actress, also 60. He claims that Berry caused him 'emotional and mental distress due to physical abuse of our minor child, Maceo.'

Patrick Baghdaserians, representing Martinez, stated that his client's 'paramount concern is the health, welfare and the safety of the minor child, hence the action that he took in court by filing the request for domestic violence restraining order.' Baghdaserians characterized Martinez as 'a loving parent' who has 'tried to do the best he can.' He further elaborated on the challenges of co-parenting, adding, 'Obviously, it’s always difficult when you’re in a co-parenting relationship. Our paramount concern right now is only one real issue, and that’s protecting this great kid.'

However, Marina Beck, counsel for Ms. Berry, issued a statement to PEOPLE, dismissing Martinez's petition as 'entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.' Beck emphasized, 'To say this filing is entirely meritless and deliberately misleading would be an understatement,' and continued, 'Fortunately, Halle is used to this kind of outrageous conduct from Mr. Martinez and, while she is deeply saddened, she will not allow it to deter her from fighting for Maceo’s best interests and providing him with the love and support he needs.'

Martinez’s court submission details an incident on September 26, where the 12-year-old reportedly contacted him for pick-up, alleging that Berry had 'physically attacked him' and stating that this was 'not the first time.' The documents further claim that during a verbal altercation with Maceo, Berry 'grabbed Maceo by the neck and started choking him while shouting, ‘Who is dominant now?! Who is dominant?’' Martinez also noted that Berry’s fiancé, Van Hunt, was present and acted 'fair' in defending Maceo during the alleged event.

Additionally, text messages included in the filing reportedly show Berry texting Martinez, 'He is disrespectful to me and feels I have no say on anything. I’m just money bags! This is wrong and wrong!' In a separate exchange, Martinez informed Berry that Maceo wished to be picked up by him and inquired if she approved. Berry allegedly responded, 'No I’m not ok with it. He wants to fight his mother?? What kind of kid are we raising. As a father ask him what kind of kid is he. I’m his mother?' Martinez further conveyed his observation that Berry and Maceo had been engaging in frequent arguments, though he was unsure of the specifics happening at her residence. He questioned her decision to keep Maceo at her home despite the child's apparent reluctance. Martinez contended that Halle Berry 'downplayed the incidents, claiming she was joking or just playing with him,' and made reference to her MMA training, alleging she would use chokeholds on Maceo and expect him to 'tap out.'

Beyond Maceo, Halle Berry is also a mother to 18-year-old Nahla, from her previous relationship with Gabriel Aubry. Berry and Martinez concluded their divorce in 2023, following nearly eight years of marriage. Their divorce and custody arrangements were settled, establishing joint legal custody. As part of the agreement, Berry committed to paying Martinez $8,000 monthly in child support, alongside an additional '4.3% of any income she receives above $2,000,000.' Furthermore, Berry was mandated to cover Maceo’s private school tuition, uniforms, school supplies, and all extracurricular activities. She also agreed to reimburse Martinez for any such expenses incurred during the 2023/2024 school year.