Maceo’s Testimony Under Scrutiny in Halle Berry’s Custody Battle
Page Six reported that Halle Berry’s 13-year-old son, Maceo, testified for nearly four hours in Los Angeles County Superior Court on Monday as part of the actress’s legal dispute with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. The courtroom was closed during his testimony, with Judge Shelley Kaufman overseeing the proceedings. Martinez, 60, had previously accused Berry, 60, of physically abusing their son during a September 26 incident involving a virtual reality headset, claiming she choked him while shouting, “Who is dominant now?!” Berry’s attorney denied the allegations, calling them “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.”
The courtroom was also closed during any testimony involving Maceo or “sensitive medical issues,” according to court filings. Halle Berry and her fiancé, Van Hunt, arrived at the court for the hearing, where she was joined by her legal team. The former couple married in 2013 and finalized their divorce in 2023, according to Source 3.
Legal Arguments Intensify as Nahla’s Testimony Looms
Nahla Aubry, Berry’s 18-year-old daughter, is set to testify virtually due to her school commitments. In a court declaration obtained by Page Six, Nahla stated she has never witnessed her mother “hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way.” She added, “I have never seen my mom place her hands around Maceo’s neck… or engage in any conduct remotely resembling the allegations.” Meanwhile, Berry’s legal team has argued that Maceo’s testimony could be influenced by Martinez, citing a 2024 court order prohibiting both parents from involving their son in legal disputes. Berry’s attorney referenced the “minor’s propensity for dishonesty” as a reason to bring in certain witnesses.
Custody and Restraining Order Dispute Heats Up
Martinez is seeking sole physical and legal custody of Maceo, while Berry opposes the move, requesting the court restore her authority over major decisions in the teen’s life. The judge has temporarily restricted Berry’s visitation rights. In a filing, Martinez claimed the incident “should have the opportunity to have his voice heard regarding what he experienced that night,” while Berry’s team described Maceo as a “coached and manipulated child.”
He claimed she called their son “an idiot” for playing games and “grabbed Maceo by the neck and started choking him while shouting, ‘Who is dominant now?!’” Berry’s attorney called the filing “entirely meritless and deliberately misleading.” The judge granted the restraining order earlier this month, restricting Berry’s visitation rights with Maceo, according to Source 4.
Courtroom Dynamics and Public Perception
Eyewitnesses described the hearing as “icy,” with Maceo reportedly not engaging with Berry during his testimony. Maceo was seen speaking to Martinez, fueling claims that the ex-husband has been influencing the boy. Berry left court smiling after the session, while Martinez walked out without acknowledging his ex, according to Source 1.
What’s Next for the Case?
The hearing is scheduled to resume on Tuesday at 10:30 a.m.
FAQ
Why is Maceo testifying in court?
Martinez filed a temporary restraining order against Berry after alleging that Berry physically abused Maceo during a September 26 incident.
What evidence has been presented so far?
Berry’s daughter Nahla submitted a declaration stating she never saw her mother abuse Maceo. Martinez’s legal team claims Berry’s court declaration contains “riddled with hearsay,” while her attorneys argue the documents are not hearsay and highlight Martinez’s alleged intent to circumvent court orders. Additional evidence includes statements from Berry’s fiancé, Van Hunt, and potential testimony from school staff and medical professionals.
Halle Berry’s daughter, Nahla, set to testify in emotional mom’s abuse case https://t.co/sM4SnIKc68 pic.twitter.com/mgsq2GWMb1
How has the public reacted to the case?
The former couple’s marriage and divorce details, including their 2013 union and 2023 dissolution, have also been highlighted in media coverage.
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Halle Berry’s Daughter Nahla, 18, Responds to Child Abuse Allegations Against Her Mother in Strongly Worded Statement https://t.co/Rf7yorJMso
Halle Berry's Daughter Nahla Defends Her From Abuse Claims in Rare Comments https://t.co/WWYPb2WQQz
Halle Berry's daughter Nahla defends mom amid custody battle with ex Olivier Martinezhttps://t.co/gmtiV82H0a
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