Actor Olivier Martinez has obtained a temporary restraining order against his former wife, Halle Berry, following accusations that Berry physically abused their 12-year-old son. The allegations stem from a recent incident in which Martinez claims Berry engaged in a physical altercation with their child.

Court documents allege that the confrontation began when Berry criticized their son, Maceo, while he was using virtual reality goggles. According to Martinez, the situation escalated, with Berry placing her hands around Maceo’s neck and subsequently wrestling him to the ground. Martinez further alleged that this was not an isolated incident, accusing Berry of previous physical, verbal, and emotional abuse, including forcing their son to "tap out" during similar confrontations. Martinez asserted that Maceo later contacted him to request removal from Berry’s custody, expressing a desire not to return to her home. He also stated concerns that their son might be experiencing trauma as a result of these events.

Berry has strongly denied the abuse allegations. Her attorney, Marina Beck, described Martinez’s claims as “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.” Beck also accused Martinez of having a “well-documented history of erratic, possessive and violent behaviour” and reaffirmed Berry’s commitment to acting in the best interests of their son.

Following the filing of the restraining order, a judge temporarily limited Berry’s visitation rights but allowed her to maintain contact with Maceo. A hearing on the restraining order is scheduled for October 16.

These developments add to a prolonged custody battle between Berry and Martinez, who were married in 2013 and separated two years later. Their divorce proceedings extended over several years and have been accompanied by ongoing disputes regarding co-parenting arrangements. In 2024 court filings, Berry stated she had spent more than US$200,000 on legal fees related to the custody conflict, including almost US$80,000 allocated toward Martinez’s legal expenses. She also accused Martinez of refusing to communicate in a manner focused on their child’s welfare. Despite the tensions, the couple had engaged in co-parenting therapy as part of attempts to resolve their differences.

The case remains pending, with further legal proceedings expected as the parties continue to navigate the complex custody dispute.