Halle Berry questions ex-husband’s claims over photo taken by their son

Halle Berry disputes Olivier Martinez’s abuse claims, saying a photo taken by their son shows no injuries in court

Halle Berry has denied allegations that she physically abused her 13-year-old son, Maceo, disputing her ex-husband Olivier Martinez’s claim that a photograph supports his accusations.

In a responsive declaration filed on Tuesday, October 13, Berry argued that the photograph, allegedly taken by Maceo on September 26, does not show evidence of the injuries Martinez has described. According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, Berry said there was no image showing redness, bruising or marks on their son’s neck consistent with the allegations.

“The only photograph Olivier identifies is a photograph of Halle, standing calmly, with hands in her pocket, feet away from Maceo,” the declaration stated.

Martinez, 60, filed for sole custody of their son on October 1, alleging that Berry, also 60, physically abused Maceo during an incident on September 26. He also alleged other instances of abuse in recent years. Berry has denied the accusations and has said she is a victim of domestic violence herself.

In a subsequent filing on October 12, Martinez claimed Maceo took the photograph because he had been “roughed up” before and felt that no one believed him.

Berry also challenged Martinez’s account of her fiancé, Van Hunt, checking Maceo for injuries. She maintained that Hunt had only said he did not observe redness or bruising, rather than conducting a physical examination.

The custody dispute has also raised questions about whether Maceo should testify during upcoming hearings. Martinez argued that their son should be allowed to tell the court about the September incident and express his custody preferences.

Berry, however, alleged that Martinez had “coached and manipulated” their son and objected to his request for the teenager to testify.

Martinez’s lawyer, Patrick Baghdaserians, denied the manipulation allegations, describing Maceo as the primary victim and arguing that he should have the opportunity to testify.

The claims remain disputed as the former couple’s custody proceedings continue.