Halle Berry has been accused of physically abusing her 12-year-old son Maceo by her ex-partner, actor Olivier Martinez. Martinez, who shares Maceo with Berry, has reportedly filed a temporary restraining order against the Oscar-winning actress.
According to court documents obtained by Page Six, Martinez claims that on September 26, Berry jumped on their son and choked him by the neck. Berry's fiancé, Van Hunt, was allegedly present during the incident. Martinez said the argument began after Berry told Maceo he looked "stupid" and was "such an idiot" for playing a game with virtual reality goggles.
Alleged Incident and Claims
Martinez claimed: "The situation escalated and Petitioner jumped on our son and started physically fighting with him," adding: "She grabbed Maceo by the neck and started choking him while shouting, 'Who is dominant now?! Who is dominant?!'"
The actor alleged that Maceo called him in a panic to collect him after the incident and did not want to return home because he was "traumatized." Maceo has been diagnosed with ADHD, mild dyslexia, and learning disorders.
Berry's Response
Berry has denied the allegations. Her attorney told the media: "To say this filing is entirely meritless and deliberately misleading would be an understatement. There is voluminous evidence, including numerous judicial rulings, that Olivier Martinez repeatedly violated court orders and interfered with necessary therapeutic and educational interventions to the detriment of his and Halle Berry's minor son Maceo - misconduct for which Mr. Martinez has already been legally sanctioned."
The attorney added: "In a way, today's filing is not entirely unexpected from an individual with a well-documented history of erratic, possessive and violent behaviour. 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."
Further Allegations and Legal Context
Martinez also alleged that Berry has been abusive to their son on other occasions. The court documents read: "Throughout the last year and a half, Ms Berry had wrestled Maceo to the ground and forced him to 'tap out'." He also claimed Berry caused Maceo emotional distress from alleged racially-charged statements, accusing her of telling Maceo that his father is "a white b**** trying to rob a black woman," referencing their child support issues.
Berry and Martinez went through an eight-year legal battle before finalising their divorce. They agreed on joint legal custody of their son and that Berry would pay Martinez $8,000 a month, plus an additional 4.3 percent of all income she receives above $2 million. Alongside the restraining order, Martinez is requesting sole custody of Maceo.
