Hollywood actress Halle Berry has received public support from her eldest daughter, Nahla Aubry, amid allegations of physical abuse involving her 13-year-old son, Maceo, in an ongoing custody dispute with former husband Olivier Martinez.
Nahla, 18, submitted a declaration to the Los Angeles Superior Court defending her mother and disputing claims that Berry had physically assaulted her younger brother.
The development comes as Berry and Martinez continue legal proceedings over custody arrangements for Maceo, whom they welcomed during their marriage.
Berry, 60, appeared in a Los Angeles courtroom on Thursday, October 22, marking the fourth consecutive day of hearings in the dispute.
Martinez, also 60, obtained a temporary domestic violence restraining order earlier this month after alleging that Berry attacked their son during an argument on September 26.
According to court documents cited in the report, Martinez accused the Oscar-winning actress of placing her hands around Maceo’s neck and choking him.
Berry has denied the allegations, maintaining that she has never physically abused her son.
In her declaration, Nahla said she had never witnessed her mother engage in violent behaviour towards Maceo or anyone else.
“I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way,” she stated.
She also rejected suggestions that Berry had thrown dangerous objects at family members, describing her mother as affectionate and attentive despite being strict when necessary.
Nahla recalled occasions when Berry and Maceo played together, including moments of playful wrestling and laughter.
The teenager, who attends college in Massachusetts, was expected to participate in the proceedings virtually, although her testimony had not been publicly confirmed by Thursday evening.
Meanwhile, Maceo reportedly testified behind closed doors on Monday, October 19, during a session lasting nearly four hours.
The presiding judge directed both parents to leave the courtroom while the teenager gave evidence.
Details of his testimony have not been disclosed.
Martinez is seeking sole legal and physical custody of Maceo, while Berry is contesting the abuse allegations and challenging restrictions affecting her parenting arrangements.
The actress has also accused Martinez of interfering with decisions concerning their son’s education and healthcare.
She is seeking greater authority over matters relating to his schooling, medical treatment and mental-health support.
Martinez disputes Berry’s claims and maintains that his actions are intended to protect their son’s welfare.
The temporary restraining order has affected Berry’s contact and visitation arrangements pending further proceedings.
However, the order does not constitute a final judicial determination that abuse occurred.
Berry and Martinez married in 2013, separated in 2015 and finalised their divorce in 2023.
Their custody disagreements have continued since the separation, with the latest allegations bringing additional scrutiny to the family’s legal dispute.
The court has yet to issue a final ruling on the contested allegations or the competing custody requests.
Ezeana Emmanuel
