Halle Berry’s daughter, Nahla Aubry, has publicly defended her mother amid a legal dispute involving the Hollywood actress and her former husband, Olivier Martinez.
In a court declaration filed in Los Angeles on Oct 3, the 18-year-old said she had never witnessed her mother physically abuse her younger half-brother, Maceo, who is Berry and Martinez’s son.
According to reports by People magazine and other entertainment outlets, Nahla described Berry as a loving and devoted parent who has consistently supported her children despite her demanding career.
“I never observed anything abusive about her parenting,” Nahla reportedly wrote in the declaration.
She also said Berry could be strict when necessary but remained warm, supportive and actively involved in her children’s lives.
Daughter Denies Witnessing Physical Abuse
Nahla, whose father is Berry’s former partner Gabriel Aubry, said she had lived with Maceo for much of his life and had never seen her mother hit, slap, choke or physically abuse him.
She described occasions when Berry and Maceo would playfully wrestle, tickle each other and roll around laughing. According to her declaration, she had never witnessed conduct resembling the allegations made against her mother.
Nahla also highlighted the support Berry had provided to both children, including attending Maceo’s sporting events, driving him to practices and advocating for his education, medical care and therapy.
She said the ongoing proceedings had been upsetting because she cared deeply about her younger brother and was concerned about the effect the dispute could have on his relationship with their mother.
What Are the Allegations Against Halle Berry?
The dispute intensified after Martinez accused Berry of physically abusing their son during an alleged incident in September.
According to court filings described in media reports, Martinez alleged that Berry put her hands around Maceo’s neck and choked him. Berry has denied the allegations, and they have not been established as proven facts.
A judge granted Martinez a temporary restraining order that limits Berry’s parenting time with their son while the case proceeds. A further court hearing concerning the order is scheduled for Oct 16.
Berry is also seeking to restore the joint-custody arrangement the former couple agreed to in 2023.
Both Parents Say Their Son’s Welfare Matters
The former couple married in 2013 and finalised their divorce in 2023 after a lengthy legal process. They share custody of Maceo, while Berry also has a daughter, Nahla, with Aubry.
Martinez has said his actions are motivated by concern for his son’s health, welfare and safety. Berry’s legal team, meanwhile, has strongly rejected the allegations and described the filing as misleading.
The latest developments have brought renewed attention to the family’s custody dispute, with both sides presenting sharply different accounts of the events in question.
For now, the allegations remain part of an ongoing legal proceeding. The court’s next steps will be important in determining the arrangements for Maceo’s care as the dispute continues.
