Halle Berry Says She Has ‘Never’ Abused Son Maceo, 13, Cites Her History as a Domestic Violence Victim

Halle Berry has responded to her ex-husband’s claim that she was violent toward their 13-year-old son, stating in court documents that she is a victim of domestic violence herself.

via: EW

“I have never physically, emotionally, or otherwise abused Maceo. I am a victim of domestic violence, and I help victims of domestic violence,” Berry stated in a lengthy declaration filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, according to Entertainment Weekly’s sister site PEOPLE.

“I am not a perpetrator of violence,” the Oscar-winning actress continued. “I would never hurt our child.”

Berry also asked the court to restore the 50-50 custody agreement she has had with Martinez since their divorce was finalized in 2023 following an eight-year legal battle. The former couple wed in 2013, separating three years later.

She stated in the court documents on Monday that the prior custody agreement was created to make “a change for the better with respect to my and Maceo’s relationship and my relationship with Olivier.” However, Berry stated, it has “led to more conflict.”

The actress is also seeking counseling for her and Martinez and accused her ex of striving to prejudice their son against her. Berry alleged in the documents that Maceo will reiterate his father’s side of their private conversations, claiming that the teenager is “angry and combative” when returning from Martinez’s care. Martinez filed a motion in response, asking the court to dismiss her concerns.

EW previously reached out to representatives for Berry and Martinez for further comment regarding the recent filing.

Their past relationship made headlines once again last week after Martinez accused Berry of abusing their son. He asked the court for full custody of Maceo along with a temporary restraining order against Berry, which was granted on Oct. 1.

Martinez initially accused Berry of “jumping on” their son and “putting her hands around his neck, and choking him” in an alleged incident that took place on Sept. 26. Berry also allegedly said their son looked like “such an idiot” when wearing a virtual reality headset.

An attorney for Martinez shared a statement regarding the accusations in a statement to EW at the time. Martinez is “solely motivated to protect the minor child,” the lawyer stated last week, hoping that “the opposing party gets the help she desperately needs.”

Berry’s attorney responded in a statement of their own, denying the accusations.

“To say this filing is entirely meritless and deliberately misleading would be an understatement,” the statement read, claiming that Martinez had repeatedly “violated court orders and interfered with therapeutic and educational interventions” when it comes to Maceo.

If you are experiencing domestic violence, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-7233, or go to thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential. The hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.