Inside Halle Berry's Family Crisis: Daughter Nahla, 18, Defends Actress Against Child Abuse Allegations

Halle Berry's 18-year-old daughter, Nahla Aubry, has defended her mother against allegations made by the actress' former husband, Olivier Martinez, that Berry physically abused their 13-year-old son, Maceo.

In a declaration filed in Los Angeles Superior Court on 3 October, Nahla said she had never witnessed Berry use violence against her younger brother and described her mother as a devoted parent who has remained closely involved in both of her children's lives.

Martinez has accused Berry of physically abusing Maceo during an alleged confrontation on 26 September, also alleging that over the last few years, Maceo had also gone through 'other instances of abuse' from Berry.

Martinez sought sole legal and physical custody, and a Los Angeles Superior Court judge subsequently granted a temporary restraining order that modified Berry's contact with Maceo pending a further hearing.

The actress has denied the allegations, maintaining through her legal team that she did not abuse Maceo and seeking to restore the former shared-custody arrangement.

Nahla Speaks Out for Her Mother

Nahla said she has lived with Maceo for most of his life, giving her a close view of Berry's relationship with her son. She portrayed the Oscar-winning actress as a hands-on mother who attended Maceo's sporting events, helped with his activities and supported his education and medical needs.

'She attended his games, drove him to practices and tournaments, and advocated for his education and access to medical treatment and therapy. She celebrates our successes, supports us through challenges, and is always there when we need her,' Nahla wrote in the declaration.

'I never observed anything abusive about her parenting,' Nahla also wrote, adding that her mother is a 'loving and devoted parent' and is 'warm, supportive, and deeply involved.'

Nahla's declaration disputes Martinez's account of the September confrontation, saying, 'I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way. 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.'

'Heartbroken' Over Her Younger Brother

Nahla also spoke about the dispute's emotional toll, saying she was surprised and upset when she learned of the accusations against her mother.

'I was shocked, very sad, and very upset when I learned about Olivier's allegations against my mom,' she wrote in the declaration.

She said she last spoke with her brother Maceo on 29 September, when Berry took him to school, and that he appeared happy during their conversation.

'I want very much to speak with my brother and check on him. I want him to know that I love him,' she wrote. She added that she was 'heartbroken' for Maceo.

The court has temporarily modified the former couple's custody arrangement while it considers the allegations. Under the temporary order, the judge has restricted Berry's visitation with Maceo and scheduled a further hearing for 16 October.

Berry's lawyers have characterised Martinez's accusations as misleading and have pointed to previous disputes involving custody, education and treatment decisions for their son, per the Los Angeles Times.

The conflict has become deeply personal for Nahla, and her declaration presents a daughter standing behind her mother while also trying to remain connected to her younger brother during a highly public legal dispute.