Halle Berry’s ex Olivier Martinez says son Maceo wants to testify in custody battle
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Halle Berry’s ex Olivier Martinez has reportedly filed new court documents, claiming that their son, Maceo, wants to testify in court amid their ongoing custody battle.
The French actor also claimed that the 13-year-old has a photo to prove that his mother allegedly acted violently toward him on September 26.
Maceo wants to testify in custody battle
PEOPLE, citing court documents, reported that Maceo wants to testify in court “to provide his side of the story” as his parents prepare for the upcoming custody hearings.
In his declaration, Martinez stated, “He should have the opportunity to have his voice heard regarding what he experienced that night. If he is prevented from addressing the Court regarding these allegations, I fear that he would be dissuaded from reporting problems or potential abuse in the future.”
Olivier Martinez seeks son's testimony in court
The 60-year-old actor further mentioned in his filing that his former wife, also 60, would try “to prevent our son from addressing the Court directly.”
However, he believes the teen’s testimony will be “key to the Court learning the full truth about the events that occurred on September 26th.”
“I am the parent who wants the truth to come out. I am the parent who does not want to suppress Maceo’s voice. To the extent that Petitioner attempts to prevent our son from speaking with a Judge regarding what happened, I fear this is an attempt to escape culpability for what occurred,” Martinez asserted.
The 'Dark Tide' star’s filing also claimed that Maceo had previously opened up about the alleged abuse to his therapists, but “these people either downplay or dismiss his concerns.”
“He already feels that people are prone to take dismiss any concerns he has about Petitioner,” Martinez added.
Olivier Martinez seeks sole custody of son
This latest declaration came days after Martinez requested sole custody of his and Berry’s 13-year-old son on October 1. He accused the 'Catwoman' actress of physically abusing the boy in an alleged September 26 incident and claimed there had been “other instances of abuse” in recent years.
Later, in a statement, he said, “My paramount concern is and always has been the health, welfare, and safety of our son, Maceo. My actions are solely motivated by protecting him. I hope that Halle takes responsibility for whatever happened that night and keeps our son’s welfare in mind.”
However, Berry denied the allegations and claimed that she was a victim of domestic violence.
Her October 5 filing read, “I have never physically, emotionally, or otherwise abused Maceo. I am not a perpetrator of violence. I would never hurt our child.”
