Maceo Martinez Testifies in Custody Hearing
The 13-year-old appeared in Los Angeles court as Olivier Martinez seeks sole custody following abuse allegations.
Updated on Oct. 19, 2026 in Divorce
Maceo Martinez testified for four hours at the Los Angeles Superior Court regarding a custody dispute between his parents, Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez. The hearing follows a restraining order filed by Olivier Martinez alleging that Berry abused their son.
Why it matters
The dispute centers on allegations that Halle Berry choked Maceo over the use of virtual reality goggles, a claim she denies. Olivier Martinez is currently seeking sole physical and legal custody, while Berry is petitioning to reinstate a 50-50 arrangement.
Maceo Martinez is 13 years old and testified for four hours during the closed-door session. His parents finalized their divorce in 2023, following an initial separation process that began in 2016.
The players
Maceo Martinez
He is the 13-year-old son of Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez.
Halle Berry
She is an Academy Award-winning actress who is currently defending herself against child abuse allegations.
Olivier Martinez
He is a French actor and the former spouse of Halle Berry who is currently seeking sole custody of their son.
The details
The judge ordered all observers to leave the courtroom during the testimony, during which Maceo spoke with his father but not his mother. As part of the current proceedings, the judge has issued a temporary modified visitation schedule.
Timeline
July 2013: Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez married.
2016: The couple was declared legally single.
2023: The couple finalized their divorce.
Late September 2026: The alleged incident involving virtual reality goggles occurred.
October 19, 2026: Maceo Martinez testified in court.
Culture Shift
This case reflects the high-stakes nature of modern celebrity divorce disputes where private family matters become public courtroom battles. The legal proceedings highlight the complexities of co-parenting agreements when serious allegations force a revision of established custody terms.
The closed-door nature of this hearing highlights how Los Angeles family courts manage sensitive child custody matters to protect minors. Residents interested in family law may observe that judges often prioritize immediate safety protocols, such as modified visitation, during ongoing litigation.
The takeaway
Custody disputes often require intensive judicial review when allegations of physical mistreatment are formally introduced. Legal experts note that temporary visitation modifications are standard procedure while the court assesses the validity of the claims presented.
Further reading
For more context on how custody disputes are handled, see our guide on Divorce.
