Summary (tl;dr)

A Los Angeles judge has ruled that Halle Berry's 13-year-old son, Maceo, can testify in the ongoing custody dispute between Berry and her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, concerning allegations of child abuse.

Essential Background

Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez, who divorced in 2016, share a 13-year-old son, Maceo. Their custody arrangements have been a subject of ongoing legal disputes. Recently, Martinez filed a request for a domestic violence restraining order against Berry, alleging that she physically abused their son Maceo during an incident on September 26, 2026, where he claims she choked their son while he was playing a virtual reality game. Berry has vehemently denied these allegations.

The Full Story

A Los Angeles Superior Court judge has permitted Halle Berry's 13-year-old son, Maceo, to testify in the contentious custody battle between Berry and her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez. The judge's ruling, made on October 15, 2026, specifies that Maceo's testimony will be limited to Martinez's request for a restraining order and will be heard in a closed courtroom with only the parties, counsel, and court personnel present. Berry has opposed her son testifying, arguing that Martinez has "coached and manipulated" him, and has denied the allegations of abuse, stating she has never physically harmed Maceo. Martinez is seeking sole custody of Maceo and a permanent restraining order against Berry, while Berry is asking for their prior 50-50 custody arrangement to be restored.

Why It Matters

This development is significant as it allows a minor child to directly address the court in a high-profile custody dispute involving serious allegations of child abuse. The decision to allow Maceo's testimony could set a precedent in similar cases, highlighting the child's perspective in parental conflicts, while also raising concerns about the potential emotional impact on a child testifying against a parent. The outcome of this testimony could profoundly affect the custody arrangement of Halle Berry's son and the public perception of the involved parties.

Geographic Location

• Los Angeles Superior Court, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (judge allowed Maceo to testify in custody dispute)
• Halle Berry's residence, Los Angeles, Los Angeles County, California, United States (alleged September 26, 2026, altercation took place)