Atlanta, GA – Former Atlanta Braves outfielder David Justice revealed in a recent interview that differing expectations around traditional gender roles contributed to the end of his three-year marriage to actress Halle Berry. The disclosure, made on the “All the Smoke” podcast hosted by Matt Barnes, has sparked renewed discussion about relationship dynamics and evolving societal expectations.
Justice and Berry were married from January 1993 to February 1997. During their marriage, Berry, born Halle Maria Berry on August 14, 1966, in Cleveland, Ohio, starred in the short-lived television series “Queen” (1993) and the blockbuster film “The Flintstones” (1994), alongside John Goodman and Elizabeth Perkins. she also appeared in the drama “Losing Isaiah” (1995).
The former baseball player, who played for the Braves from 1991-1993, explained that his upbringing in the Midwest shaped his views on marriage. “My knowledge and my understanding, my wisdom around relationships just wasn’t vast,” Justice stated. “So, I’m looking at my mom – and I’m a Midwest guy. So, in my mind, I’m thinking a wife at that time should cook, clean, [be] traditional, you know?”
Justice also admitted that his limited prior relationship experience – having been in only one relationship before dating Berry – influenced his expectations. He questioned whether Berry would be a suitable partner for building a family, citing concerns that she didn’t fit his preconceived notions of a “motherly” figure. He specifically mentioned her busy filming schedule as a contributing factor to their time spent apart.
The couple’s separation occurred during a pivotal period in Berry’s career. Following the divorce, she went on to achieve significant acclaim, including her portrayal of Storm in the “X-Men” film series (beginning in 2000) and her Academy Award win for Best Actress in 2002 for her performance in “Monster’s Ball.”
Justice expressed regret that the couple didn’t seek professional help.”We honestly probably could have made it if I knew about therapy. If we knew about therapy, we probably could have made it,” he said.
since their divorce, Berry has had two children: daughter Nahla Ariela Aubrey, born in March 2008 with Gabriel Aubrey, and son Maceo-Robert Martinez, born in October 2013 with ex-husband Olivier Martinez. Justice married Rebecca villalobos in 2001 and has three children: daughter Raquel, and sons JR and Dionisio.
The interview highlights a shift in societal expectations regarding gender roles within marriage and the increasing acceptance of seeking therapy to navigate relationship challenges. The original article appeared on TheWrap.com.