Halle Berry's ex storms out of court during closed testimony in custody dispute

Key points

• Olivier Martinez left the courtroom abruptly during closed testimony on October 20, 2026, appearing agitated and using profanity with his lawyer, Patrick Baghdaserians.
• Halle Berry testified in closed court on October 20, while her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, is scheduled to testify later in the proceedings.
• The hearing concerns a temporary domestic violence restraining order granted to Martinez in September 2026, based on his claims that Berry choked their 13-year-old son, Maceo.
• Berry's attorney, Marina Beck, has called the abuse claims 'entirely meritless and deliberately misleading,' and Berry's 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, has filed declarations denying the allegations.
• Maceo testified for nearly four hours on the first day of the hearing, and the judge ordered the courtroom closed during any testimony involving the minor child.
• Halle Berry arrived at the courthouse on October 19, 2026, accompanied by her fiancé, Van Hunt, while Olivier Martinez arrived separately.

Background

This dispute follows a temporary restraining order granted to Olivier Martinez on October 1, 2026, which limited Berry's parenting time and gave Martinez primary custody pending a hearing. Halle Berry's daughter, Nahla Aubry, filed court declarations in early October 2026 defending her mother and denying the abuse allegations. Berry has also filed documents seeking to reinstate a 50/50 custody arrangement for Maceo, accusing Martinez of turning their son against her. The couple married in 2013 and separated in 2015.

How outlets are covering it

Page Six reported that Olivier Martinez stormed out of the courtroom during closed testimony on October 20, 2026, appearing agitated and distressed. Just Jared focused on Halle Berry's arrival at the courthouse on October 19, 2026, accompanied by her fiancé, Van Hunt, and noted that no new rulings were publicly reported from that day's hearing. Both outlets confirmed the ongoing custody dispute and the temporary restraining order granted to Martinez, but Page Six provided more detail on the courtroom proceedings and testimony, while Just Jared emphasized the visual presence of Berry and Hunt at the courthouse.

Why it matters

The case highlights the intense legal and personal stakes in high-profile custody disputes, particularly when domestic violence allegations are involved. The involvement of a minor child, Maceo, and the public nature of the proceedings have drawn significant attention, with both parties' families and legal representatives actively participating in the defense and prosecution of the claims. The outcome could set precedents for how such cases are handled in the public eye.

What to watch

The hearing is expected to continue on October 21, 2026, with further testimony from Halle Berry and potentially her daughter, Nahla Aubry. Olivier Martinez is also scheduled to testify, and the judge may issue rulings on the temporary restraining order and custody arrangements. The outcome of the hearing could determine the future custody arrangement for Maceo and the status of the domestic violence restraining order.