Halle Berry and Olivier Martinez ended their marriage years ago, but their custody fight has revived painful claims about their romance.
An insider close to Martinez now alleges the French actor considers marrying the Oscar winner “the biggest mistake of his life.”
The accusations emerge as the former couple fight over custody, disputed abuse allegations and another expensive court request.
Halle Berry’s Ex Allegedly Calls Their Wedding His ‘Biggest Mistake’
A source described as close to Martinez alleged that he married Berry largely because she was expecting their son.
“Maceo was the reason Olivier married Halle,” the insider alleged to the Daily Mail. “Halle was pregnant at the time and, as old fashioned as it sounds, he thought it was the right thing to do.”
Their romance was hardly peaceful even before the wedding, the source claimed.
“Olivier and Halle had arguments even before they wed. Their unofficial honeymoon period didn’t last long.” The source claimed Martinez struggled with her moods.
The insider continued, “Halle was very demanding. She always wanted things her way. Maceo was the only good thing that came out of the relationship.”
Their French Fairytale Unraveled After Just Two Years
The actors met while filming “Dark Tide” in South Africa in 2010, became engaged and wed in France in July 2013. Maceo arrived that October.
Berry had expressed doubts about marrying again after divorcing David Justice and Eric Benét. Yet they presented a united front when announcing their split in October 2015.
“We move forward with love and respect for one another and the shared focus of what is best for our son,” they said in their joint separation statement.
Although they were together as spouses for approximately two years, their divorce proceedings stretched until August 2023.
Their settlement established shared custody, $8,000 in monthly child support and additional payments tied to Berry’s earnings. However, the insider claimed that cooperation never materialized.
“Co-parenting never worked out,” the source said. “There were always major issues and differences of opinion between them.”
Halle Berry Denies Disturbing Allegations In New Custody Fight
The conflict escalated after a September 26 confrontation involving Maceo and a virtual-reality headset. Martinez alleged in an October court filing that Berry attacked and choked their son, claims she categorically denies.
“I have never physically, emotionally or otherwise abused Maceo,” Berry declared in court papers, according to NBC Los Angeles.
Berry described the interaction as playful roughhousing that became an argument. Her fiancé, musician Van Hunt, described intervening after the teenager resisted having his headset removed. A Page Six source called Hunt Berry’s “rock” through the dispute.
Berry’s daughter Nahla also defended her mother, stating in a court declaration that she had never witnessed her act violently.
The allegation nevertheless resulted in temporary restrictions and testimony from Maceo, who spent nearly four hours answering questions behind closed doors.
More From The Blast
- Halle Berry’s ex demands $240K in legal fees.
- Berry wins a court battle but suffers another custody setback.
- Berry’s daughter accuses Martinez of trying to destroy her mother.
- Berry hits back at her ex’s allegedly misleading abuse claims.
- Berry and Martinez agree to co-parenting therapy.
- Berry confirms her engagement to Van Hunt.
Judge Ends Restraining Order But Custody Restrictions Remain
On October 29, Judge Shelley Kaufman dissolved the temporary restraining order, ruling Martinez had not met the burden needed for a continuing protective order.
The outcome did not restore equal parenting time. Martinez retained temporary primary physical custody, while Berry’s daytime visits remained restricted and overnight stays prohibited. The court also ordered 12 sessions of joint therapy for mother and son.
Berry’s attorney Marina Beck welcomed the decision, saying, “We are extremely pleased that the Court has dissolved the TRO.”
The Daily Mail insider insisted Martinez had reluctantly supported the teenager testifying.
“The last thing Olivier wanted was to have Maceo speak to the judge,” the source said. “He felt he had no option though. While he’s pleased he’s been awarded primary physical custody, he admits Maceo needs Halle in his life.”
The insider added, “He knows she loves Maceo, but thinks she needs to calm down. Olivier’s not trying to ace her out. Just make her realize there are boundaries she shouldn’t cross.”
The source said Martinez believed testifying was the only option.
Olivier Martinez Seeks $240K As Insider Says They Remain Tied
The battle now carries another financial consequence. In a November 4 filing, Martinez asked Berry to cover $240,000 in attorneys’ fees, citing approximately $176,523 already owed and $63,477 expected for future legal work.
He reported averaging only $776.34 monthly in residuals while carrying more than $17,500 in monthly expenses. However, the request has not been granted.
Despite the acrimony, Martinez told “Extra” he hoped mother and son would reconcile.
“I don’t want my son to hate his mom. I want him to love her. I want him to forgive her,” he said.
According to the Daily Mail insider, the enduring connection is precisely what weighs on Martinez.
“The worst thing for Olivier is that he knows he’ll always have Halle in his life,” the source claimed. “Maceo’s the link that ties them together.”
Their next custody review will determine whether the temporary arrangement changes, while the insider’s harsh description of their marriage remains one side of an increasingly public dispute.