Judge Issues Restraining Order Amid Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez Dispute
A judge granted a restraining order against actress Halle Berry following accusations from her ex-husband Olivier Martinez, who claims she attacked their son. Martinez alleges this is not the first instance of such behavior. Newsweek reported on the claims and provided a timeline of their legal battles.
Allegations Against Halle Berry
Martinez, known for his work in French cinema, stated their son, Maceo, asked him to pick him up after an alleged incident at Berry’s home. According to court documents reviewed by Newsweek, Martinez accuses Berry of occasionally putting Maceo in a chokehold. He claims Maceo has repeatedly been subjected to this behavior.
Judge Shelley Kaufman issued a temporary order, allowing Berry daytime visits with Maceo. Allegations remain unproven in court, and Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, described the claims as baseless. Beck stated Berry remains committed to supporting her son.
Incident Details
Martinez reports receiving a call from Maceo on Saturday night, claiming Berry attacked him. During this call, Maceo sounded panicked, Martinez says. Berry’s partner assisted Maceo with his belongings, indicating a tense evening. Maceo later recounted Berry entered his room while he played with a VR headset. A confrontation ensued, resulting in Berry allegedly choking Maceo before he broke free.
Text Message Exchanges
Screenshots in court documents show texts between Berry and Martinez following the incident. Berry expressed regret over the incident in messages to Martinez. Maceo also texted his father, inquiring about his arrival.
Further Abuse Allegations
Martinez accuses Berry of repeated aggressive actions, including hand slaps and utilizing combat training. Maceo reportedly feels anxious under Berry’s care, fearing further physical encounters. Martinez expresses concern for Maceo’s safety, referencing past experiences of Berry’s alleged mood swings and aggression.
The Restraining Order Explanation
Martinez filed for a restraining order, seeking protection for himself and Maceo. The order restricts Berry’s conduct toward them and outlines contact limitations. Judge Kaufman did not grant Martinez sole custody; Berry retains limited visiting rights with Maceo. Requests for testing Berry for substances during visits were denied. The temporary order remains until the next court hearing.
Timeline of Legal Disputes
October 2015: Divorce Filings
The couple filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences, and sought joint custody. They requested privacy during the process.
December 2016: Officially Divorced
Berry and Martinez finalized their divorce. However, financial and custody issues continued for several years.
August 2023: Settlement Reached
The couple settled their disagreements, agreeing on shared custody. Berry committed to financial support for Maceo.
May–August 2024: Co-Parenting Challenges
Berry and Martinez attempted co-parenting therapy, which Martinez ceased attending. Berry sought legal intervention without success.
August 2024: Custody Battle
Berry requested sole custody, citing co-parenting difficulties. Martinez disputed, claiming Berry obstructed his responses by delaying hearings.
November 2024: Court Criticism
The court sided with Berry regarding therapy continuation and criticized Martinez for halting sessions. The judge noted his ability to use technology previously.
Newsweek reached editors Matthew Robinson and Cristina Diciu for commentary on these proceedings.