Berry Denies Choking Son as Custody Dispute Continues

Halle Berry has denied allegations by her former husband, Olivier Martinez, that she choked their son during a September 26 encounter, and has asked a court to restore their previous shared custody arrangement. The allegations have not been established as fact, and the temporary custody restrictions do not resolve the dispute. In a declaration filed October 5, Berry said she had never physically, emotionally or otherwise abused Maceo. She denied putting her hands around his neck, choking him or restricting his breathing. Berry also said she submitted video that she believes supports her account, though reporting does not establish whether it captures the entire encounter or independently verifies either parent’s version. Berry said the incident began after she went to Maceo’s room while he was playing a video game and began recording him. She said he took her phone and they started playfully roughhousing, before he became upset and pushed her. According to her declaration, her fiancé, Van Hunt, came upstairs and stepped between them after Maceo pushed her again.