Halle Berry leaning on Van Hunt amid intense custody battle
What's the story
Hollywood actor Halle Berry is reportedly leaning on her fiancé, musician Van Hunt, during her ongoing child custody battle with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. A source told Page Six that Hunt has been an "incredibly supportive" partner throughout this challenging time. The insider added, "Van has really been Halle's rock through all of this."
Supportive partner
Hunt has been a 'huge source of strength' for Berry
The source further revealed, "He's been by her side throughout the whole custody battle and restraining order situation."
"It's obviously been an incredibly difficult and stressful time for her, but he's been such a calming presence and a huge source of strength."
The couple was spotted at lunch at The Bird Streets Club in West Hollywood just days after a judge rejected Martinez's bid for a permanent domestic violence restraining order against Berry.
Legal dispute
What led to the ongoing custody battle?
Martinez alleged that Berry choked their son, Maceo, during an altercation at her home on September 26.
A judge granted Martinez a temporary domestic violence restraining order last month, giving him primary custody of Maceo and limiting Berry's access to their son.
However, Berry has denied the allegations through her attorney Marina Beck, who called Martinez's claims "entirely meritless and deliberately misleading."
Custody request
Berry is also seeking sole legal custody of Maceo
In court documents filed ahead of the hearing, Berry's legal team accused Martinez of interfering with their son's education and therapeutic care.
She asked the court to dismiss Martinez's restraining order request and lift temporary restrictions on her contact with Maceo.
The Catwoman actor is also seeking sole legal custody, which would give her greater authority over their son's education, medical care, and mental health decisions.
Ongoing dispute
Judge denied Martinez's request for permanent restraining order against Berry
On October 29, a judge dissolved the temporary domestic violence restraining order against Berry and denied Martinez's request to make it permanent.
Martinez, however, retained primary physical custody of Maceo, while Berry's parenting time remained limited to daytime visits without overnight stays.
The ruling was seen as a partial victory for Berry, who had been fighting to have the restraining order dismissed and restore their previous shared custody arrangement.
Relationship history
More about their relationship timelines
Berry and Martinez married in 2013, and their split was announced two years later, in 2015.
What followed was a lengthy legal battle that stretched on for the better part of a decade before their divorce was finalized in 2023.
Since then, the actor has moved on: she has been dating Hunt since 2020, and they are now engaged.
Meanwhile, Martinez is currently single.