Olivier Martinez Addresses Son Maceo’s Relationship With Mother Halle Berry

Olivier Martinez has spoken about his hopes for his son Maceo’s relationship with Halle Berry, saying he wants the teenager to maintain a loving bond with his mother despite the former couple’s ongoing custody dispute.

The French actor made the comments following a court hearing in Los Angeles, where a judge ruled on the latest developments in their legal proceedings. Although Martinez retained temporary primary physical custody of their 13-year-old son, he said he hoped Berry and Maceo would eventually improve their relationship.

Speaking to Extra, Martinez said: “I truly hope Maceo and his mother will be able to have a better relationship in the future.

“I don’t want my son to hate his mum. I want him to love her. I want him to forgive her. And I want them to reconcile in some sort at one point.”

Photo: Getty Images

His comments came after Martinez accused Berry of physically assaulting Maceo during an incident at her home on 26 September. According to court documents, he alleged that the actress had put her hands around their son’s neck and choked him during an altercation.

Martinez claimed the incident began when Berry entered Maceo’s room while he was playing a virtual reality game. He alleged that their son contacted him during the confrontation and asked to be collected from his mother’s home.

Berry has denied the allegations. In her court response, she disputed Martinez’s account of the incident, saying that the two had been play-wrestling. She specifically denied putting her hands around Maceo’s neck, choking him or restricting his breathing. Her legal team also described Martinez’s claims as misleading and without merit.

The allegations prompted Martinez to seek an emergency change to their existing custody agreement. On 1 October, he was granted a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Berry, alongside temporary primary physical custody of Maceo. He also requested sole legal and physical custody and restrictions on Berry’s contact with their son.

Berry challenged the order and asked the court to restore the 50-50 physical custody arrangement they had previously shared. She also disputed Martinez’s account of their son’s experiences while in her care.

Photo: Getty Images

On 29 October, Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Shelley Kaufman dissolved the temporary restraining order against Berry and denied Martinez’s request for a permanent domestic violence restraining order. The judge, however, left the temporary custody arrangements in place.

Under the arrangement, Martinez retains primary physical custody, while Berry can spend time with Maceo on Mondays and Tuesdays, as well as on alternate weekends. Her visits are limited to 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., with overnight stays at her home not permitted. The former couple will continue sharing legal custody.

The court also ordered Berry and Maceo to attend 12 sessions of joint therapy within six months, once a therapist has been appointed. A further hearing to appoint the therapist is scheduled for 4 November. The custody arrangements are expected to be reviewed in November.

Photo: AP

Berry’s 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, whom she shares with former partner Gabriel Aubry, also submitted a declaration supporting her mother. She said she had never witnessed Berry act violently towards anyone or physically abuse Maceo.

Maceo also testified during the proceedings. Details of his testimony have not been made public.

Berry and Martinez married in July 2013 after meeting on the set of the film Dark Tide. They separated in 2015, and their divorce was finalised in August 2023. Their original custody agreement provided for joint legal and physical custody of Maceo.

The former couple are expected to return to court in November as the judge reviews the temporary parenting arrangements.