Halle Berry's ex-husband wins temporary custody after alleging she choked their son

Key points

• Olivier Martinez filed for a temporary restraining order and sole custody, alleging Berry choked their son Maceo on September 26.
• Martinez claims Berry jumped on the boy and shouted 'Who is dominant now?' after he was playing a virtual reality game.
• Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, called the filing 'meritless and deliberately misleading,' citing previous judicial sanctions against Martinez.
• A temporary restraining order was granted, limiting Berry to court-ordered visitation until an October 16 hearing.
• Martinez also requested sobriety testing for Berry and alleged she made racially charged statements to their son.

Background

This dispute follows a contentious divorce finalized in 2023, eight years after the couple split. Berry previously sought primary custody in 2024, alleging Martinez interfered with the son's therapeutic needs. The couple shares a 33-page custody agreement that includes financial support terms and visitation schedules.

How outlets are covering it

Variety and Fox News report that Martinez was granted a temporary restraining order and sole custody, with Fox News detailing the specific allegation that Berry shouted 'Who is dominant now?' during the incident. Page Six notes that Berry was recently spotted with her son at a trampoline park, suggesting the temporary custody arrangement may not have fully restricted their interaction. All sources agree that Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, has strongly denied the abuse claims, characterizing them as part of a pattern of 'erratic, possessive and violent behavior' by Martinez. The outlets differ slightly on the son's age, with Variety and Fox News stating 12, while Page Six notes he recently turned 13.

Why it matters

The case highlights the ongoing legal and personal tensions between high-profile celebrities in custody disputes. The temporary restraining order and custody changes could set a precedent for how courts handle allegations of abuse in high-profile families, and the public nature of the filings has drawn significant media attention.

What to watch

A hearing is scheduled for October 16, where the court will likely decide on the final custody arrangement. Berry is currently limited to court-ordered visitation, and both parties are required to attend confidential mediation. The outcome could determine whether Berry retains shared custody or if Martinez is granted permanent sole custody.