Actress Halle Berry is facing a contentious legal and custody battle over her 13-year-old son, Maceo. Her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, brought forward severe allegations that escalated the legal dispute after he filed court documents in Los Angeles detailing an alleged incident on September 26, 2026, at Berry’s home.
According to court filings obtained by various media outlets, Martinez was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Berry. This order requires the actress to stay 100 yards away from him and restricts her custody privileges. The emergency filings and subsequent legal maneuvers have thrust the former couple back into the spotlight, reviving years of tension surrounding their co-parenting arrangement.
The Allegations and Court Filings
In his petition, Martinez claimed an argument erupted on September 26 after Berry allegedly confronted Maceo regarding a virtual reality headset. Martinez stated the situation escalated into a physical altercation, alleging Berry grabbed and choked their son.
Martinez asserted that Maceo contacted him frantically that evening to ask for a pickup. Text messages included in court records show communication between Martinez and Berry regarding the request, with Berry expressing frustration. Martinez also requested that Maceo speak directly to the judge about his custody preferences and the described events, noting the teenager no longer wishes to spend time at Berry’s residence.
In addition to the September incident, Martinez’s filings alleged past instances of physical and verbal abuse. He accused Berry of historical conflicts and claimed she presented a “false narrative” regarding their son’s medical and educational treatment.
Halle Berry’s Legal Team Responds
Berry’s legal representation has forcefully denied all accusations. Attorney Marina Beck issued a strong statement describing the petition as “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.”
Beck pointed toward a documented history of erratic and aggressive behavior by Martinez. She noted that he previously faced legal sanctions for violating court orders and interfering with educational and therapeutic interventions for Maceo. Berry’s team maintains that the actress is deeply saddened by the situation but remains dedicated to fighting for her son’s best interests and welfare.
Background on Their Relationship and Custody
Berry and Martinez met on the set of the film Dark Tide in 2010, wed in 2013, and welcomed Maceo Robert that same year. After separating in 2015, their divorce was legally finalized in August 2023 with a 50/50 shared custody agreement.
However, the co-parenting dynamic has experienced continuous strain. In 2024, Berry sought primary custody, citing difficulties in communication and disagreements over Maceo’s educational needs, including attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and dyslexia diagnoses. The latest civil proceedings mark a significant escalation, with both parties preparing for upcoming court hearings to determine the future of their son’s custody arrangement.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is Halle Berry in a custody dispute with Olivier Martinez?
The current dispute stems from court filings submitted by Olivier Martinez in late September 2026, which included a request for a temporary restraining order and sole custody after allegations of an altercation involving their son, Maceo.
What specific allegations were made against Halle Berry?
Martinez alleged that Berry physically abused Maceo during a dispute on September 26, 2026. He also claimed there were historical instances of physical and verbal conflicts, which Berry’s legal team has strongly denied.
How has Halle Berry responded to the allegations?
Halle Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, released statements characterizing the filing as entirely meritless, misleading, and part of a broader pattern of contentious behavior from Martinez regarding prior court orders.
What is the current custody arrangement for Maceo?
Following the emergency filings, a judge granted Martinez temporary primary custody, limiting Berry to specific court-ordered visitation days while awaiting further formal hearings.
When did Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez divorce?
The couple married in 2013, separated in 2015, and officially finalized their divorce in August 2023.
