The long-running custody dispute between Oscar-winning actress Halle Berry and her ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, has reached a critical point, with the French actor claiming their 13-year-old son, Maceo, wants to testify against his mother.

According to court documents filed by Martinez, the teenager is seeking to address a judge directly about an alleged physical confrontation that took place on September 26. Martinez says Maceo wants the court to hear his account of the incident and to consider his preferences about which parent he should live with.

Allegations and Denials

The filings detail a troubling series of claims, including Martinez’s assertion that Maceo photographed Berry after the purported altercation. The boy reportedly told his father he took the photo because he feared no one would believe his version of events. Martinez also stated that his son had previously complained about his mother’s behavior but felt those concerns had been ignored by authorities.

Berry has vehemently denied all allegations of abuse. Her legal representatives described the encounter as “roughhousing” and characterized Martinez’s recent court filings as a tactical move in their long-standing dispute. The couple, who divorced in 2016, have been embroiled in litigation over Maceo’s care and schooling for several years.

Dispute Over Medical Care

Beyond the allegations of physical conflict, Martinez accuses Berry of providing a “false narrative” to the court about their son’s medical needs. He alleges Berry misrepresented his level of cooperation regarding Maceo’s psychiatric care.

According to Martinez, the boy’s pediatrician and psychiatrist reached a consensus on September 21 that Maceo should not be placed on medication at this time. Martinez claims Berry was aware of this professional opinion and acknowledged it in writing, yet she later filed an emergency request portraying him as an obstructionist father interfering with necessary treatment.

What’s Next in Court

The dispute follows a temporary restraining order recently filed against Berry, which has further complicated the joint custody arrangement. Martinez’s legal team argues that Maceo is of sufficient age and maturity for the court to weigh his testimony before making final determinations about his living situation.

The former couple is scheduled to appear in a Los Angeles courtroom on October 16. A judge will then decide whether the 13-year-old will be permitted to testify and what impact these latest allegations will have on the existing custody order.