David Justice, former Atlanta Braves right fielder and Halle Berry’s first husband, spoke about their marriage during an interview on Matt Barnes’ All the Smoke podcast. Justice revealed that their marriage, which lasted from 1993 to 1997, ended partly because he expected Berry to fulfill traditional household roles such as cooking and cleaning, which clashed with her career demands. He also suggested that their separation was influenced by a lack of awareness about therapy and relationship support at that time.
Expectations Rooted in Traditional Roles
Justice reflected on his mindset during their relationship, shaped largely by his upbringing in the Midwest and examples in his family. He said,
“My knowledge and my understanding, my wisdom around relationships just wasn’t vast,”
and added,
“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?”
These expectations contributed to tension in the marriage when Berry pursued her acting career vigorously.
Berry’s Career and Its Impact on Their Relationship
During the years of their marriage, Halle Berry was involved in several projects including her appearances on the series Queen and the film The Flintstones. Justice remarked on how Berry’s busy work schedule with movies in various locations strained their time together. He said,
“We spent a lot of time apart because she was doing movies in this country, that country. And we honestly probably could have made it if I knew about therapy. If we knew about therapy, we probably could have made it,”
highlighting how their inability to address issues professionally hindered their marriage.
Personal Reflections and Family Life After Divorce
Justice admitted that his limited relationship experience before Berry influenced his views on family and partnership. He stated,
“Then I’m thinking, ‘OK, if we have kids, is this the woman I want to have kids with and build a family with?’ At that time, as a young guy — she don’t cook, don’t clean, don’t really seem like, motherly, and then we start having issues.”
Following their divorce, Halle Berry moved on to build her family with children Nahla and Maceo-Robert from different relationships. Justice remarried Rebecca Villalobos in 2001 and they have three children together: daughter Raquel and sons JR and Dionisio.
Significance of Their Experience on Modern Relationship Perspectives
David Justice’s candid discussion sheds light on how traditional expectations and a lack of available relationship resources can influence a marriage, especially amid demanding careers. His reflections underscore how evolving views toward gender roles and the use of therapy today might offer couples better tools to navigate challenges. The story of Berry and Justice serves as an example of the complexities that arise when personal expectations and professional ambitions collide in a marriage.
