Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry and her ex-husband Olivier Martinez are engaged in an escalating custody dispute over their 13-year-old son, Maceo, culminating in a court hearing where the boy is set to testify. The hearing, held in Los Angeles Superior Court, centers on a restraining order filed by Olivier earlier this month, accusing Berry of physically abusing Maceo during an altercation at her home in late September.

Olivier, a French actor like Berry, alleges that during the September 26 incident, Berry physically assaulted their son—claiming she jumped on him and placed him in a chokehold after calling him “stupid” during a disagreement over a virtual reality game. Following the event, Olivier says Maceo appeared traumatized and sought to be picked up. Olivier's legal team insists that Maceo’s testimony is essential, stating the boy is the primary victim and should have the opportunity to speak directly to the court. Judge Shelley Kaufman ruled that Maceo would testify in a closed courtroom, emphasizing that the child must not be coached and that existing court orders prohibiting discussion of custody issues with him remain in place.

Berry denies all abuse allegations, describing the incident as a case of “roughhousing” while asserting that Maceo had been physically aggressive toward her. She maintains that she has never physically or emotionally harmed her son and identifies herself as a victim and advocate of domestic violence, not a perpetrator. Berry’s legal representation has characterized the restraining order request as “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading,” accusing Olivier of repeated court order violations and a history of erratic and violent behavior. Berry also points to supporting evidence, including a sworn statement from her current fiancé Van Hunt, who was present during the incident, and video footage which she argues contradict Olivier’s claims.

Adding another layer to the conflict, Berry’s 18-year-old daughter Nahla, from a previous relationship, submitted a sworn declaration defending her mother. Nahla stated she has never witnessed Berry physically abuse Maceo and described Berry as a loving and devoted parent. Olivier’s side, however, has moved to exclude Nahla’s testimony on the grounds that she is biased and not significantly relevant to the case.

The couple’s marriage, which began in 2013 and dissolved in 2015, has been marked by prolonged and contentious legal battles over custody and co-parenting arrangements. Their divorce was only finalized in August 2023, with a settlement involving shared custody, child support payments from Berry, and financial contributions toward Olivier’s legal fees. The pair have appeared repeatedly in court over issues such as co-parenting therapy, educational support for Maceo, and visitation schedules.

Currently, Olivier has been granted primary custody along with a restraining order preventing Berry from coming within 100 yards of him in connection to this dispute. Berry has court-approved visitation rights twice weekly and alternate weekends with Maceo and has completed a court-ordered parenting program.

As the case continues, both parties remain steadfast in their positions—Berry emphatically denying abuse and seeking to protect her relationship with their son, and Olivier pressing for Maceo’s voice to be heard to expose what he describes as the truth behind the incident. The upcoming testimony from Maceo is anticipated to be a pivotal moment in a highly charged custody dispute that has spanned nearly a decade.