Halle Berry has spoken out about her custody battle with ex-boyfriend Gabriel Aubry for the first time to assure fans it isn't as bad as the media has been reporting.

The actress has reportedly backed out of a film and a play in New York over the custody battle, and took aim at Aubry earlier this year over his "lack of co-operation".

But she insists the court battle over the couple's daughter Nahla is not what it seems.

Berry tells news show Extra, "Our issues were never about fighting for her."

"We both know a child needs both her parents. But what I want to say about it is sometimes, as a couple, you reach an impasse. We need a court and a judge to help us work out some of the delicate issues... I'm so happy we've arrived at that place, because, for her sake, this is the best way. We both love her more than life."

Source: Press Release