An 18-year-old daughter of Halle Berry has filed a court declaration in Los Angeles Superior Court defending her mother against allegations of physical abuse made by Berry’s ex-husband Olivier Martinez.
Court filing and restraining order issued
On September 26, Olivier Martinez filed a request for a temporary domestic violence restraining order against Halle Berry, alleging she physically abused their 13-year-old son, Maceo, by "putting her hands around his neck and choking him." The Los Angeles Superior Court granted Martinez’s request for the restraining order on an emergency basis. Martinez is also seeking sole legal and physical custody of Maceo, according to court documents reviewed by multiple outlets.
Berry has denied all allegations of abuse. In response to Martinez’s claims, her 18-year-old daughter Nahla Aubry filed a declaration in court on Monday, stating she has "never witnessed her [Berry] act violently toward anyone."
Nahla Aubry’s declaration details
In her sworn declaration, obtained by the Los Angeles Times and reviewed by other outlets, Aubry described Berry as a "loving and devoted parent" who provided stability, support, and guidance. She stated she has "never seen [Berry] hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way."
Aubry, who shares Berry with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, added that she has observed Berry and Maceo engage in playful interactions, including "playfully wrestle, tickle each other, and roll around laughing on the floor or on a bed many times." She also noted that Berry attended Maceo’s games, drove him to practices, and advocated for his education.
Aubry expressed being "shocked, very sad, and very upset" upon learning of Martinez’s allegations, stating the claims were "wholly inconsistent with the values [Berry] has taught me my entire life."
Legal representatives respond
A spokesperson for Martinez did not immediately respond to requests for comment from the Los Angeles Times. Berry’s legal representatives told the Daily Mail they "believe the filing speaks for itself (including Nahla Aubry's declaration) and have no further comment."
Berry and Martinez share custody of Maceo, who is 13 years old. The next court hearing in the custody dispute is pending, with no date set as of the latest filings.
Background on the parties
Halle Berry, 60, is an Oscar-winning actress with a long-standing career in film. Olivier Martinez, 60, is a French actor known for his roles in Unfaithful and The Da Vinci Code. Nahla Aubry, Berry’s daughter with Gabriel Aubry, is 18 and has largely remained out of the public eye. Maceo is Berry and Martinez’s only child together.