In the escalating legal dispute between Oscar winner Halle Berry and her ex-husband Olivier Martinez, Berry’s 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, has formally stepped forward to defend her mother in Los Angeles Superior Court.
The legal clash intensified last week after 60-year-old French actor Martinez secured a temporary restraining order against Berry, alleging that she physically abused their 13-year-old son, Maceo. Martinez claimed that Maceo called him following a September 26 incident where Berry allegedly attacked the youth and placed him in a chokehold. While Berry firmly denied the accusations through her legal counsel, a judge temporarily modified her visitation schedule pending an upcoming hearing.
On October 3, Aubry—whom Berry shares with ex-partner Gabriel Aubry—submitted a detailed legal declaration refuting Martinez’s claims line by line.
“I never observed anything abusive about her parenting,” Aubry wrote in the court document obtained by People.
Characterizing the Catwoman star as a “loving and devoted parent” who remains “warm, supportive, and deeply involved,” Aubry added that her mother “can be strict when necessary and expects her children to follow rules and be respectful.”
Aubry, who has lived with Maceo for the majority of his life while splitting time between her parents, explicitly denied ever witnessing physical aggression from her mother.
“I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way,” Aubry stated. “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.”
Addressing Berry’s busy career as a Hollywood A-lister, the college student emphasized that her mother consistently prioritized family life over professional commitments. “She attended his games, drove him to practices and tournaments, and advocated for his education and access to medical treatment and therapy,” Aubry wrote. “She celebrates our successes, supports us through challenges, and is always there when we need her.”
Aubry added: “I never doubted my mom’s love for me. She consistently provided me with stability, support, guidance, and unconditional love.”
Significantly, Aubry countered claims of parental alienation, stating that Berry “never” spoke negatively about Martinez or her own father, Gabriel Aubry, 50. “My mom has always encouraged us to maintain loving relationships with our fathers,” she noted.
Contrastingly, Aubry recalled a violent altercation from her childhood involving Martinez and her father: “In all my years living with my mom, I have never witnessed her act violently toward anyone; however, I do remember Oliver beating up my father in our driveway when I was little. I have also never seen my mom throw anything at anyone, not a knife, or plate, or any other object. I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way.”
Describing the typical home dynamic between Berry and Maceo, Aubry noted she often saw them “playfully wrestle, tickle each other, and roll around laughing on the floor or on a bed many times,” adding, “I have never seen Maceo hurt, upset, cry or do anything but laugh after his and my mom’s playful wrestling.”
Regarding the days following the alleged September 26 incident, Aubry revealed she spoke on a joint call with both Berry and Maceo on September 29, noting that her brother “didn’t seem upset about anything.”
“I was shocked, very sad, and very upset when I learned about Olivier’s allegations against my mom,” Aubry declared, expressing frustration with Martinez and stating she felt like “an afterthought for [him] in his quest to destroy my mom.”
Concluding her declaration, Aubry offered insight into her brother’s personality while expressing concern over the ongoing court battle. “I believe he loves our mom very much and shares a close bond with her,” she wrote. “At the same time, I have also witnessed occasions when Maceo has been disrespectful, at times aggressive, and unwilling to follow rules at home.”
Aubry noted she has not had contact with Maceo since the temporary order was enacted due to legal uncertainty, but hopes to reconnect soon. “This has been upsetting for me because Maceo is my brother, I care deeply about him,” Aubry concluded, “and I am concerned about the impact these proceedings are having on him and his relationship with my mom.”
