Halle Berry is pushing back against her ex-husband Olivier Martinez’s request to have their teenage son testify in their ongoing custody battle.
According to court documents obtained by People, the Oscar-winning actress believes their 13-year-old son, Maceo, has been influenced by his father. Berry argues that allowing him to testify could undermine the court’s ability to determine what happened during a September incident.
The former couple is currently involved in a contentious legal dispute following allegations that Berry physically abused their son. Martinez has requested sole custody of Maceo, while Berry has denied the accusations.
Berry Raises Concerns Over Son’s Testimony
In her latest declaration, Berry expressed concerns about Martinez’s influence over their son. She claimed Maceo has spent the past two weeks primarily in his father’s care.
Berry also accused Martinez of discussing the ongoing legal proceedings with their son, potentially influencing his account of the incident.
“Under these circumstances, the Court should be particularly cautious before placing substantial weight on testimony from a coached and manipulated child who has been repeatedly discussing the case with the parent seeking relief while discounting the testimony of adult witnesses with direct personal knowledge of the relevant events,” Berry stated.
The actress believes testimony from her fiancé, musician Van Hunt, and her 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, deserves greater consideration.
Both were reportedly present during the Sept. 26 incident that prompted Martinez’s legal action.
Berry identified Hunt as the only adult third-party eyewitness. She also emphasized Nahla’s firsthand knowledge of the family’s dynamics and her relationship with Maceo.
Nahla previously submitted a declaration defending her mother against the abuse allegations. She described Berry as a supportive parent and maintained that she had never witnessed her behave violently toward anyone.
Olivier Martinez Pushes for Son to Be Heard
Martinez, however, believes their son should have the opportunity to tell his side of the story.
In court documents, the French actor claimed Maceo wants to discuss the September incident and share his preferences regarding custody.
“He should have the opportunity to have his voice heard regarding what he experienced that night,” Martinez wrote.
“If he is prevented from addressing the Court regarding these allegations, I fear that he would be dissuaded from reporting problems or potential abuse in the future.”
Martinez’s attorney, Patrick Baghdaserians, also rejected Berry’s claims that Maceo had been manipulated.
“We vehemently deny such allegations. The child is the primary victim here. Victims of abuse should be able to testify regarding the abuse inflicted upon them. We are not surprised that the opposing party does not want the child Maceo to testify. The opposing party is seemingly scared of what the child will say,” Baghdaserians told People.
The latest disagreement follows Martinez’s request for a domestic violence restraining order earlier this month.
He alleged that Berry physically attacked Maceo on Sept. 26, including placing her hands around his neck and choking him.
Berry has denied physically abusing her son. Her legal team has described Martinez’s allegations as misleading and without merit.
A judge granted a temporary restraining order and modified Berry’s visitation arrangements while the case proceeds. Martinez is seeking sole legal and physical custody.
The former couple married in 2013 and separated in 2015. Their divorce was finalized in August 2023 after years of legal proceedings.
At that time, they agreed to share custody of Maceo. Berry was also ordered to pay Martinez $8,000 monthly in child support.
The latest allegations have reopened their custody dispute, with both parents presenting sharply different accounts of their son’s well-being.
A hearing concerning the restraining order is scheduled for Oct. 16. The court has not publicly resolved whether Maceo will testify.