Halle Berry: "My Mother Was a Battered Woman"

Us Magazine - November 11, 2009 6:53 PM PST
Story photo: Halle Berry: NBC NewsUs Magazine

Halle Berry is no stranger to domestic violence.

"My mother was a battered woman and that was my childhood for a good chunk of it," the star, 43, says in an interview with NBC's Natalie Morales for an NBC Nightly News with Brian Williams segment airing Thursday.

See photos of more stars who have survived abuse

The Oscar-winning actress opens up about her inspiration for getting involved with Jenesse Center, an L.A.-based shelter that provides support for domestic violence victims and teaches them self-sufficiency.

"I care, I really care about these women and children," says Berry, who visits the center on Thursday's episode.

Check out photos of today's top news stories

For the past ten years, Berry has led fundraising campaigns and developed partnerships with companies that will bring more awareness to Jenesse Center. She has also had one-on-one interaction with women, like her, who have experienced abuse.

"Early on in my life, I made choices, and I chose men that were abusive because that was what I knew growing up," she said four years ago, when she was honored by the Jenesse Center for her humanitarian work.

See photos of Halle Berry and other stars had underwent makeunders for movies

Through therapy, the star has said she learned what to do if and when a relationship turned violent.

Now, however, Berry -- who has said, "I'm not the girl that has the best relationships" -- has found happiness with beau Gabriel Aubrey, with whom she has 19-month-old daughter Nahla.

In addition to Berry, the weeklong series on celebrity charities also features Jon Bon Jovi, Alicia Keys, Tim McGraw and Glenn Close. As part of NBC Nightly News' regular feature, "Making a Difference," the celebrities visit some of the people whose lives they've touched in each segment.

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comments 1-7 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >|  hide comments · post a comment
  • Cathy F
    Of course none of us know these celebs, but she seems sincere in her actions and charity work. So, hey, Go Halle! and by the way, great perfume.
    report abuseposted November 14, 2009 1:31 PM PST
  • gmbrx
    Guest spot on Oprah and then a book deal......it's all about money
    report abuseposted November 11, 2009 8:23 PM PST
  • alesia
    good for her !go Halle!! :)
    report abuseposted November 11, 2009 7:39 PM PST
  • Spooky Girl
    wa wa.... It's good to talk about, but spend some time in counseling instead!
    report abuseposted November 11, 2009 7:26 PM PST
  • Steph C
    it's news because it's important to give press to the shelter through her involvement, and to promote the celebrity "Making a Difference" feature. not everything on here has to be about newly discovered sex tapes or bad fashion...
    report abuseposted November 11, 2009 7:20 PM PST
  • Steph C
    any celeb who uses their money and power and influence to help others is to be commended. all the selfish fame-hounds who never give back should take notice.
    report abuseposted November 11, 2009 7:11 PM PST
  • honeychild
    and this is news? i mean, i totally applaud halle for getting involved w/ that organization and god bless her for it-- but, i mean, she has said many a time that her father was abusive toward her mother and that she has been abused by past boyfriends.
    report abuseposted November 11, 2009 7:07 PM PST
comments 1-7 of 11  |< newest · < newer · older > · oldest >| 

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