Actor Olivier Martinez has asked a court for a temporary Halle Berry restraining order, accusing his former wife of physically abusing their 12-year-old son, Maceo. Berry, through attorney Marina Beck, strongly denies the allegations and says the filing is part of Martinez’s wider pattern of obstructing their child’s care.

Martinez is also seeking sole custody, which would replace the former couple’s current shared arrangement. The allegations remain claims made in court filings and have not been established as fact.

What does Olivier Martinez allege happened?

In his petition, Martinez claims that Berry physically attacked Maceo on September 26 by “jumping on him, putting her hands around his neck and choking him.” He says their son may have been traumatised by the alleged incident and no longer wants to stay at Berry’s home.

Martinez argues that Berry and Maceo should not have contact until she accepts responsibility for what he says occurred. However, he told the court that he does not want to permanently end their relationship.

“I do not want to permanently sever the relationship between our son and [Berry], but I do not believe that they should be interacting with each other until Petitioner can take sufficient accountability for her actions,” he wrote.

He also asked the court to prohibit Berry from being under the influence of alcohol or other substances during visits with Maceo. The filing does not establish that she has done so, but family court documents rarely arrive with a shortage of serious claims.

What other accusations appear in the filing?

Martinez alleges that the September incident was not isolated. He claims there have been “other instances of abuse over the course of the last few years,” including further physical attacks against Maceo and verbal or emotional abuse directed at Martinez.

One allegation concerns a dispute over child support. Martinez says Berry told their son that he was “a white bitch trying to rob a Black woman,” then asked Maceo, “How do you feel about that as a Black man?”

According to Martinez, Berry later sent him a text message apologising for that exchange. The filing does not include Berry’s account of the alleged conversation in the material reported.

His request combines several demands:

  • Sole custody of Maceo
  • Restricted contact between Berry and their son
  • A temporary restraining order
  • A requirement that Berry remain free from alcohol and other substances during visitation

How has Halle Berry responded?

Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, called the petition “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.” She said court records and previous rulings show that Martinez repeatedly violated orders and interfered with therapeutic and educational support for Maceo.

“There is voluminous evidence, including numerous judicial rulings, that Olivier Martinez repeatedly violated court orders and interfered with necessary therapeutic and educational interventions to the detriment of his and Halle Berry’s minor son Maceo,” Beck said.

She added that Martinez had already faced legal sanctions over that alleged conduct. Beck also accused him of having a documented history of “erratic, possessive and violent behavior.”

“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,” the statement continued.

Separate representatives for Berry did not provide an additional comment.

What is the former couple’s history?

Berry and Martinez married in 2013 and filed for divorce in 2015 after two years of marriage. Their custody arrangements have since become the subject of prolonged legal conflict, with both sides accusing the other of acting against Maceo’s interests.

Berry also has an 18-year-old daughter from a previous relationship.

The latest petition asks a judge to make substantial changes to the family’s existing custody structure. Until the court rules, Martinez’s accusations and Berry’s rebuttal remain competing accounts in an already bitter dispute.