Halle Berry Loses Primary Custody Bid as Judge Sides With Olivier Martinez
A Los Angeles judge has awarded Olivier Martinez primary physical custody of his and Halle Berry’s son, Maceo, in a ruling that marks a significant shift in the long-running custody dispute.
On October 29, the court denied Berry’s request for a 50/50 shared custody arrangement that would have included overnight visits. Instead, Martinez will now serve as the primary physical custodian. Berry retains joint legal custody and holds tiebreaker rights on major decisions, along with full holiday time with her son. The case is scheduled to return to court in November.
The decision also dissolved a temporary restraining order Martinez had previously secured and rejected his request for a permanent domestic violence order. Martinez had raised allegations that Berry abused Maceo, claims the actress has firmly denied.
Both sides appeared to find something to take from the outcome. Martinez expressed hope that his son would eventually reconcile with his mother, while representatives for both parties described portions of the ruling as a win.
The high-profile case has drawn steady attention given Berry’s status and the personal nature of the conflict. Berry was photographed leaving the courthouse after the hearing, a familiar scene for a legal battle that has played out in public for years.
For now, the new custody structure is in place. Martinez has primary physical care of Maceo, while Berry maintains significant legal rights and holiday access. The November court date will determine the next steps in a dispute that continues to evolve.
