It appears that people were not in the mood to give thanks at Halle Berry’s home last week, where a fight allegedly broke out between Gabriel Aubry, Berry’s former boyfriend and father of their child, and Olivier Martinez, Berry’s current beau. According to a report from TMZ, the altercation occurred when Aubry showed up to Berry’s home for a custodial exchange on Thanksgiving. Martinez allegedly told Aubry that he and Berry “had to move on”, which apparently led to a shouting match and punches being thrown.
Both men were reportedly injured in the fracas, with Aubry suffering a broken rib, bruises on his face and possibly a concussion. Martinez reportedly broke his hand and may have injured his neck. Aubry was arrested on suspicion of criminal battery. A spokesman from the Los Angeles Police Department indicated that the investigation was still ongoing and that no criminal charges had been filed yet.
Berry and Aubry had been locked in a contentious custody battle over their daughter. A family court judge recently denied Berry’s request to move to France with Martinez (which probably led to the “we have to move on” comment). Nevertheless, speculation abounds as to whether the recent altercation will affect the course of the case.
Domestic violence has serious implications on custody and parenting time decisions. Family court judges are very careful about placing children in situations where they may be harmed by a caregiver or even witness domestic violence. There does not appear to be any history of abuse between Aubry and Berry, but the recent altercation could lead the court to modify the exchange point, or impose additional conditions on exchanges.
Source: TMZ.com, Gabriel Aubry arrested after brutal brawl at Halle Berry’s, November 23, 2012