In a rare moment, Halle Berry opened up to "EXTRA" about the messy custody battle she is going through with Gabriel Aubry.  Hear what she had to say inside and get an update on today's court proceedings...

As you may remember, Halle and Gabriel began going through a really messy custody battle a few months ago.  There was a lot of name calling and mud slinging.  But during a recent interview, Halle opened up for the first time about it and explained what went wrong.  She says she and Gabriel reached a point where they needed a court to help them make decision.

“When there’s a child involved, it’s a relief when you can resolve things in a good way. 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, and 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.”

Also during the interview, Halle talked about her work with the “What a Little Love Can Do” project, which renovates apartments at the transitional housing shelter for victims of domestic violence. She said, 

“There’s such a stigma that goes a long with a shelter, and I thought if we can make shelter life be something for them to aspire to have when they leave here, we’ll have done something really good… I care so much about women and I care so much about children. I’ve had certain experiences in my life that make it easy for me to understand the hardships that women face; the hardships that children face. And because it’s so personal for me, it’s a way that I sort of get to extricate my own demons by doing something good to help others. It’s really fulfilling work that I get to do.”

Interesting how her charity work plays into the drama with Gabriel.  I hope this all works out for little Nahla.

UPDATE:  Halle and Gabriel just left court and no deal was reached in their custody battle. Sources told TMZ that although both parties were close to a deal last week, new issues have come up with regards to Halle taking Nahla with her when she travels for work. Sigh.....Gabriel.....please let Halle earn a living.

Watch the interview here: