Halle Berry is facing disturbing allegations that she choked her 13-year-old son, Maceo, as her ex-husband Olivier Martinez seeks sole legal custody.
The Oscar winner has strongly denied the accusations.
Martinez, 60, alleged in court documents that Berry became physically aggressive with their son during a Sept. 26 argument involving virtual reality goggles. The actress, also 60, and her legal team have called the accusations “meritless and deliberately misleading.”
Amid the escalating dispute, a longtime acquaintance made additional claims about Berry’s behavior, telling Page Six that her temperament can change dramatically.
“Halle can be the loveliest human being you’ve ever met, then within seconds she’ll fly into a rage,” the source alleged.
However, the insider acknowledged never witnessing Berry behave that way toward her children and cautioned that the reported mood changes do not establish abuse. Berry’s 18-year-old daughter, Nahla, has meanwhile defended her mother.
“I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way,” she stated in a court declaration. Nahla described Berry as a “loving and devoted parent” who sometimes enforces strict rules.
The actress and Martinez, whose divorce was finalized in 2023, are both seeking greater authority over decisions concerning Maceo.
Martinez currently has temporary custody, while Berry retains overnight parenting time.
