Halle Berry’s ex Oliver Martinez explains why their 13-year-old son wants to testify in custody hearing
Halle Berry’s ex, Olivier Martinez, has said that their teen son Maceo wants to testify in court ‘to provide his side of the story’ during the former couple’s upcoming custody hearings.
The 60-year-old actress is currently embroiled in a custody dispute with Martinez, 60, who alleged that she attacked their son during an incident on 26 September.
On 1 October, he filed for sole custody, claiming that Berry ‘physically abused’ their son, and cited ‘other instances of abuse’ in recent years.
The former couple were married from 2013 until 2016, and welcomed Maceo the same year they tied the knot. Their split wasn’t finalised until 2023 after a long divorce battle.
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Martinez was granted a temporary restraining order against Berry on October 1, restricting the time she can spend with Maceo.
Now, in more court documents, also seen by PEOPLE, Martinez has said that Maceo wants to openly discuss his custody preferences and the alleged incident that happened in September.
Martinez wrote in his declaration: “He should have the opportunity to have his voice heard regarding what he experienced that night.
“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.”
He also claimed that he believes Berry will try ‘to prevent our son from addressing the Court directly,’ explaining that their son’s testimony will be ‘key to the Court learning the full truth about the events that occurred on September 26th’.
He wrote: “I am the parent who wants the truth to come out. I am the parent who does not want to suppress Maceo’s voice. To the extent that Petitioner attempts to prevent our son from speaking with a Judge regarding what happened, I fear this is an attempt to escape culpability for what occurred.
“He explained to me that he has complained to therapists in the past about his mother being physical with him, and that these people either downplay or dismiss his concerns.
"He already feels that people are prone to take dismiss any concerns he has about Petitioner."
The French actor previously told PEOPLE in a statement: “My paramount concern is and always has been the health, welfare, and safety of our son, Maceo. My actions are solely motivated by protecting him.
"I hope that Halle takes responsibility for whatever happened that night and keeps our son’s welfare in mind."
As we say, Berry has strongly denied the allegations, and in a declaration filed on 5 October and obtained by PEOPLE, she said: “I have never physically, emotionally, or otherwise abused Maceo.”
"I am a victim of domestic violence, and I help victims of domestic violence. I am not a perpetrator of violence. I would never hurt our child.”
Her attorney, Marina Beck, further told the outlet: “To say this filing is entirely meritless and deliberately misleading would be an understatement. 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.”
Berry's 18-year-old daughter Nylah Aubry, who she shares with ex Gabriel Aubry, also spoke out to defend her mum, saying she is a 'loving and devoted parent' who is 'warm, supportive, and deeply involved'.
She said that while Berry 'can be strict when necessary', she insisted she had never witnessed any abusive behaviour towards her brother.
Tyla has contacted a representative for Berry and Martinez for comment.
Topics: Halle Berry, Entertainment, Celebrity, News, US News
Madison Burgess