Halle Berry, like many seeking divorce advice in Pasadena, has seen her custody battle with her ex go from bad to worse. Every major tabloid and gossip site ran tales this week of how the Oscar winner and her ex-boyfriend of four years, Gabriel Aubry, are currently embroiled in a showdown over custody of their daughter Nahla. Initially, reports were released that painted Aubry as an evil and abusive ex who slung racial slurs at the star. Now, however, new reports say that Berry is no slouch herself in the barbs department. So how, exactly, did custody negotiations between the two beautiful people go so tragically awry?

Since Aubry and Berry split last spring, nary a word has been written about the former couple. It had appeared that both people had moved on. She was seen dating Oliver Martinez while he was linked to several beauties — including Kim Kardashian. Yet beneath the smiling photographs of Berry and her daughter at the beach, a custody war was brewing.

Things got downright nasty this week when People magazine released a story saying that Berry was ready to do whatever necessary to gain full custody of Nahla. <

Halle has serious concerns for her daughter's well-being while in the care of her father for any extended period of time and is prepared to take all necessary steps to protect her,” said Berry's rep in an exclusive interview with People.

Berry filed court papers on December 30th and cleared her filming schedule to resolve the custody issues. Berry's camp reports that the star was called the "n word" by the actor and received several threatening phone calls. Aubry's side, naturally, has a different story to tell altogether. Sources close to the model say Berry went ballistic when she learned of his involvement with Kardashian, which prompted her to launch the custody attack. Aubry allegedly was also on the receiving end of a harsh e-mail, in which Berry told him,"You were only good for one thing... Thanks for the donation."

Aubry is striking back and has reportedly filed two counter-suits for sole custody, one in California and one in his home country of Canada. More words and accusations from both sides are bound to be revealed as the pair get ready to meet in court later this month.