Halle Berry’s Ex-Husband David Justice Criticized for Comments on Her Motherhood
Ex-Husband of Halle Berry Criticized for Claiming She Lacked “Motherly” Traits
David Justice, the first ex-husband of actress Halle Berry, faced backlash after suggesting that his decision to divorce her was due to her not possessing stereotypical “motherly” qualities. He claimed he couldn’t imagine her as a nurturing parent because she “doesn’t cook, doesn’t clean, and didn’t seem very motherly,” prompting criticism from fans online.
Many users mocked the reasoning, questioning why Berry, a Hollywood star with substantial net worth, should be expected to take on domestic roles, and suggesting Justice could have hired assistance instead. One fan remarked, “She was supposed to stop her successful career to ‘cook and clean’ for someone they’ve never heard of?”
Justice, who played in Major League Baseball, spoke about his decision on a podcast, revealing that he felt uncertain early in their relationship. He recounted that Berry proposed after only five months of dating, a move he admits he was hesitant about, saying he “didn’t know if his heart was really into it” because of their differing views on traditional gender roles.
He also expressed doubt over their compatibility for raising a family, reflecting on their issues stemming from differences in expectations. Justice added that their demanding careers contributed to their separation, and he questioned whether he was truly committed when he married Berry.
Berry, who married Justice in 1993, later sought a restraining order against him, citing fears for her safety, which Justice publicly denied. He also shared that he felt pressured by her marriage proposal and admitted that he lacked the experience and wisdom in relationships at the time. They finalized their divorce in 1997, and Justice has been married to Rebecca Villalobos since 2001, with whom he shares three children.
Berry went on to marry singer Eric Benét and Olivier Martinez, and she is currently dating singer Van Hunt. She shares two children from previous relationships: Nahla with Gabriel Aubry and Maceo-Robert with Martinez.