Halle Berry's fiance Van Hunt and daughter Nahla testify in legal battle with ex Olivier Martinez
LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Halle Berry's fiance Van Hunt and her 18-year-old daughter, Nahla, have reportedly testified amid the actress’ custody battle with ex-husband Olivier Martinez.
Martinez has accused Berry of physically attacking their 13-year-old son Maceo during an argument over a virtual reality headset in September. He was granted a temporary restraining order against his former wife in early October. He is now demanding sole legal and physical custody of their son.
Halle Berry's daughter supports mother in court fight against Olivier Martinez
As per Page Six, Nahla, whom Berry shares with former boyfriend Gabriel Aubry, testified virtually on Monday, October 26. Her testimony was reportedly taken behind closed doors and it lasted for less than an hour.
The actress’ 56-year-old fiance also took the stand on Monday. He also testified for less than an hour.
The publication further reported that closing arguments in the case will continue Tuesday and a verdict is expected to come this week.
Olivier Martinez and Halle Berry's son Maceo testified last week
Last week, Maceo also testified in court. His testimony lasted for almost four hours.
Although Berry strongly opposed Maceo’s involvement, Judge Shelley Kaufman ruled that he would be allowed to testify, limiting his testimony to the claims made in his father’s restraining order request.
The hearing took place at Los Angeles Superior Court, where the 'X-Men' actress appeared with her legal team and musician fiance, Hunt, while the 60-year-old French actor arrived with Maceo and his lawyers.
Nahla called Halle Berry a 'loving and devoted parent'
Meanwhile, Nahla’s testimony came weeks after she defended her famous mother, 60, by filing a declaration in Los Angeles Superior Court. In her declaration, the 18-year-old called Berry a “loving and devoted parent” who “can be strict when necessary.”
The teenager also claimed that she’s never seen her mother “hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way,” before adding, “I have never seen my mom place her hands around Maceo’s neck, put him in a chokehold, restrict his breathing, or engage in any conduct remotely resembling the allegations that have been made against her.”
Nahla, who’s now a college student in Massachusetts, further stated that Berry is a hands-on mother who always makes time for her children.
“She attended his games, drove him to practices and tournaments and advocated for his education. She celebrates our successes, supports us through challenges and is always there when we need her,” she asserted.
Nahla said Halle Berry taught her children to 'respect people from all backgrounds'
Her filing also addressed one more accusation against the ‘Catwoman’ actress that she made “racially insensitive or racially charged comments.”
“My mom is biracial, I am biracial and Maceo is biracial. Throughout my life, my mom taught both of us to embrace who we are, appreciate our differences and respect people from all backgrounds,” Nahla said.
