Halle Berry’s daughter, Nahla Aubry, is stepping into the spotlight for a deeply personal reason. The 18-year-old has defended her Oscar-winning mother against child abuse allegations made by Berry’s ex-husband, Olivier Martinez, involving their teenage son, Maceo.
In a court declaration filed in Los Angeles Superior Court, Nahla described the 60-year-old actress as a loving, supportive mother and strongly disputed claims that Berry had physically abused her younger half-brother.
© WireImageThe rare public statement comes amid an escalating custody dispute between Berry and Martinez, who accused the actress of physically harming their son during an alleged incident on September 26, 2026.
Berry has denied the allegations, and Nahla is now offering her own account of growing up with the Hollywood star.
Halle Berry’s Daughter Nahla Defends Her Mother Against Abuse Allegations
Nahla, whom Berry shares with her former partner, Canadian model Gabriel Aubry, submitted a declaration dated October 3 in support of her mother.
According to court documents obtained by PEOPLE, the college student described Berry as a devoted parent who has consistently prioritized her children's well-being, despite the demands of her Hollywood career. "I never observed anything abusive about her parenting," Nahla stated.
© WireImageShe described her mother as a "loving and devoted parent" who is "warm, supportive, and deeply involved" in her children's lives.
Nahla acknowledged that Berry sets boundaries and expects her children to follow rules, but she maintained that discipline never crossed into physical abuse. "I have never seen my mom hit, slap, choke, grab, or physically abuse Maceo in any way," she wrote.
Her declaration directly challenges allegations made by Martinez, who claims Berry physically abused their son and has requested sole custody.
What Did Olivier Martinez Accuse Halle Berry of Doing?
The controversy began when Martinez filed legal documents accusing Berry of physically abusing their son during a September 26 incident.
According to reports, Martinez alleged that Berry choked Maceo during an altercation at home. He also claimed there had been other instances of abusive behavior in recent years.
© Backgrid/The Grosby GroupMartinez sought a temporary restraining order and sole custody of their son, arguing that the teenager needed protection.
On October 1, a Los Angeles judge granted a temporary protective order that restricted Berry's contact and modified her parenting schedule.
The temporary order does not constitute a final determination that the allegations are true. Berry has firmly rejected Martinez's accusations and is seeking to restore their shared custody arrangement. The next court hearing is scheduled for October 16.
© WireImageNahla Says Halle Berry Has Always Been a Present and Supportive Mother
Beyond denying the abuse allegations, Nahla offered a personal account of Berry's parenting. She explained that her mother remained involved in everyday family activities, from school responsibilities to sports and medical appointments.
According to Nahla, Berry regularly attended Maceo's games, drove him to practices and tournaments, and advocated for his educational and therapeutic needs. Nahla also recalled the emotional stability and guidance she received throughout her childhood. "I never doubted my mom's love for me," she wrote in her declaration.
She added that Berry had consistently provided support, stability, and unconditional love. Nahla also described witnessing affectionate, playful interactions between Berry and Maceo, including moments when they wrestled and laughed together.
© FilmMagicHer testimony presents a different picture of their home life from the one described in Martinez's legal filing. However, Nahla's personal observations do not independently establish what occurred during the alleged September incident.
Nahla Aubry Says the Allegations Left Her Shocked and Heartbroken
The teenager also addressed the emotional toll the custody dispute has taken on her.
According to her declaration, Nahla learned about Martinez's allegations during a telephone conversation with Berry. She said she was "shocked, very sad, and very upset" by the accusations.
Nahla expressed particular concern for her younger brother, who has become the subject of an increasingly public legal battle between his parents. She also criticized Martinez, suggesting that he had failed to consider how his legal actions might affect her emotionally.
© David Dee DelgadoNahla said she felt like "an afterthought" in the dispute and worried about the damage it could cause to her family's relationships.
She revealed that she had not spoken to Maceo since the allegations were filed because she was uncertain about the legal restrictions surrounding communication.
Despite the circumstances, Nahla emphasized that she loves her brother and hopes to reconnect with him soon.
Nahla Makes Another Allegation Involving Olivier Martinez and Her Father
One of the more striking parts of Nahla's declaration concerns an incident involving Martinez and her father, Gabriel Aubry. Nahla alleged that she remembered Martinez physically attacking Aubry in the driveway of their home when she was younger.
The allegation refers to the former partners' turbulent history, which included a widely reported physical confrontation in 2012.
© Joshua BlanchardIn her statement, Nahla contrasted that memory with her experiences living with Berry, insisting that she had never witnessed her mother behaving violently. Her recollection is part of her sworn account, and not a new judicial finding about Martinez's conduct.
According to People, Nahla also maintained that Berry had encouraged her children to maintain positive relationships with their respective fathers rather than speaking negatively about them.
Halle Berry Denies Child Abuse Claims as Custody Battle Continues
Berry has responded to Martinez's allegations through her own legal filings and attorney statements. The actress, who has previously spoken publicly about experiencing domestic violence, has denied physically or emotionally abusing Maceo.
© Getty ImagesHer legal team has characterized Martinez's allegations as misleading and accused him of interfering with their son's educational and therapeutic support.
Martinez's legal representatives, meanwhile, have emphasized their concern for the child's safety and welfare.
The former couple married in 2013 and separated in 2015. Their divorce was finalized in 2023, but disputes involving their parenting arrangements have continued.
