Halle Berry has been accused of physically abusing her 12-year-old son, Maceo, by her ex-husband, actor Olivier Martinez, and a Los Angeles County judge has granted Martinez a temporary restraining order covering both himself and the child. The order was issued on Thursday, according to court records, and will remain in effect until a hearing on October 16, when a judge will decide whether to make it permanent.
In the filing, Martinez claims that Berry caused him emotional and mental distress through the alleged physical abuse of their son. He describes an incident in which Berry allegedly grabbed Maceo by the neck while shouting «Who is dominant.» Martinez also claims that Berry has previously engaged in verbal and emotional abuse against him and additional physical attacks against their son. A separate account of the petition states that Martinez alleges Berry physically abused Maceo on September 26 by jumping on him, putting her hands around his neck and choking him.
Berry has denied the allegations. Her lawyer, Mariana Beck, said in a statement that the filing is «entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.» Beck added that Berry is used to «this kind of outrageous conduct» from Martinez and, while deeply saddened, will not allow it to deter her from fighting for Maceo's best interests and providing him with the love and support he needs.
Court reports show the judge modified Berry's visitation rights, though the couple will still share partial custody. The judge denied Martinez's request that Berry's sobriety be monitored, citing insufficient information. The temporary restraining order is the latest development in a long-running dispute between the two actors, who divorced in 2016 after three years of marriage.
Martinez's lawyer, Patrick Baghdaserians, said his client's main concern is «the health, welfare and the safety» of Maceo, which is why he requested a domestic violence restraining order. «His second concern would be for [Halle Berry] to get the appropriate help that she needs to address her issues so she can better herself, which would in turn help the minor child moving forward,» Baghdaserians added.
The allegations and the restraining order mark a significant escalation in the public and legal conflict between Berry and Martinez, both of whom have had prominent careers in film. Berry, an Academy Award winner, has been a major Hollywood figure for decades, while Martinez is known for roles in films such as «Unfaithful» and «Blood Diamond.» The case is scheduled to return to court on October 16, when a judge will review the evidence and determine whether the temporary order should become permanent.