A Los Angeles judge awarded Olivier Martinez full physical custody of their son, Maceo, while dismissing his request for a domestic violence restraining order against Berry.
Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry has reportedly lost primary physical custody of her 13-year-old son, Maceo, following a contentious custody battle with her ex-husband, French actor Olivier Martinez.
The former couple previously shared joint physical and legal custody of Maceo following their separation in 2015. However, a Los Angeles judge has now awarded Martinez full physical custody, while both parents will continue to share joint legal custody.
The ruling follows allegations made by Martinez, who accused Berry of physically abusing their son and filed a request for a domestic violence restraining order seeking protection for himself and Maceo.
Berry has vehemently denied all allegations, accusing Martinez of fabricating the claims to escalate their custody dispute. She had asked the court to reinstate their previous 50/50 physical custody arrangement, but the request was denied.
Despite losing primary physical custody, Berry secured a partial legal victory. The judge dismissed Martinez’s request for a domestic violence restraining order and lifted the temporary restrictions previously imposed on the actress.
Berry’s attorney, Marina Beck, told Page Six that her client was “extremely pleased” with the decision to dissolve the restraining order.
“As we move forward, Halle is determined to continue to focus on the well-being and best interests of her family,” Beck said.
The judge also ruled that Berry can no longer have overnight visits with Maceo. However, her time with her son during the upcoming holidays has not been restricted.
The nine-day custody hearing began on October 19 and included nearly four hours of testimony from Maceo. Both parents also testified, along with Berry’s 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, and her fiancé, Van Hunt.
Nahla told the court that she had never witnessed her mother behaving violently toward her younger brother.
In his restraining order request, Martinez accused Berry of physically abusing Maceo, including allegedly choking him during an incident on September 26.
Berry strongly rejected the allegations in a declaration submitted to the court.
“I have never physically, emotionally, or otherwise abused Maceo. I am a victim of domestic violence, and I help victims of domestic violence,” she stated.
According to reports, Martinez’s attorney described the custody ruling as a “huge victory.”
The judge is expected to revisit the custody arrangements in November as the legal dispute between the former couple continues.
