Halle Berry is facing a temporary restraining order after her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, made allegations of physical abuse involving their 12-year-old son, Maceo.
A judge granted the temporary order amid the former couple’s latest custody dispute, escalating a legal battle that has continued for years following their divorce.
According to court documents filed by Martinez, Berry allegedly became aggressive toward Maceo while the boy was playing a virtual reality game at her home. Martinez claimed the actress placed her hands around their son’s neck and choked him.
The filing also alleges that Berry’s boyfriend, musician Van Hunt, was present during the incident.
Martinez further claimed that the alleged behavior was part of a broader pattern involving physical intimidation. He cited Berry’s martial-arts training for her 2020 film Bruised, alleging that she has used wrestling techniques on their son and forced him to “tap out.”
Those allegations have been strongly denied.
Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, called Martinez’s filing “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading,” according to the material provided. Beck also alleged that Martinez has previously interfered with court-ordered therapy and educational interventions involving Maceo and said he has faced legal sanctions over such conduct.
The filing contains additional allegations concerning verbal disputes between the former couple. Martinez claimed Berry used a racial slur toward him, threatened to have him deported to France and made comments about how their son could protect her from his father.
He also alleged that Berry’s behavior had been affected by alcohol consumption. Berry’s legal team has rejected that claim as well.
Despite granting the temporary restraining order, the judge did not completely cut off Berry’s contact with Maceo. The order allows her to maintain visitation rights, while both parents have been directed to participate in court-ordered mediation.
Berry and Martinez married in 2013 and separated two years later. Their divorce was finalized in 2023 after years of disputes involving custody and child support.
The latest filing now puts their custody fight back in the spotlight, with the court expected to revisit the temporary order and Martinez’s request for sole custody later this month.
For now, the allegations remain disputed: Martinez has made the claims in court, while Berry’s legal team has firmly rejected them.
