Gabriel Aubry has responded to Halle Berry's surprising public statement surrounding the custody battle over their daughter Nahla. A rep for the Canadian model told Access Hollywood that he was "disappointed" the actress had gone public with a private matter – after she announced plans to pull out of a movie to concentrate on legal proceedings. "While Gabriel is disappointed in Halle's decision to falsely malign him publicly for her own purposes, he refuses to be pulled into a dispute over a cancelled film production," said his statement.
"Gabriel also refuses to air their issues in the press as he believes this may ultimately harm their daughter," the statement continued.
"The fact is that Gabriel is a caring father who shares custody of Nahla." "Gabriel fully believes that a consistent and balanced living situation and two loving parents are crucial for their child even if Ms. Berry feels otherwise. He will always defend his rights as a father and will always consider Nahla's best interest. "Halle's continuing allegations in the press are untrue and irresponsible."
On Monday, the 44-year-old actress said she has "serious concerns" for Nahla's wellbeing "while in the care of her father for any extended period of time". Halle – who is now dating her Dark Tide co-star Olivier Martinez – ended her four-year relationship with Gabriel in April. They first met in 2005 on a Versace photo shoot. Many had believed the spilt to be amicable – the first indication of discord came in December when Gabriel filed for joint custody of their child.Speaking shortly after their separation, Halle expressed the hope that she, Gabriel and Nahla would always be a family. "We were meant to bring this little person into the world. And I think that's why we came together," she said. "And because of that we are going to be together forever. We are a family unit until we are not here anymore."