Although their breakup last April seemed amicable, things have turned ugly for Halle Berry, 44, and Canadian model Gabriel Aubry, 35, in the custody battle for their daughter Nahla, who turns three next month. “Once they broke up he became verbally threatening to Halle,” Aubry’s former friend Stephane Bibeau told People magazine. Halle’s rep issued a statement to People on Monday, criticizing her ex’s parenting skills: “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.” However, Aubry’s rep released a statement to Access Hollywood Tuesday that read: “While Gabriel is disappointed in Halle’s decision to falsely malign him publicly and for her own purposes… Gabriel also refuses to air their issues in the press as he believes this may ultimately harm their daughter. The fact is that Gabriel is a caring father who shares custody of Nahla.” Aubrey filed papers December 30 seeking formal recognition as Nahla’s father and joint legal and physical custody. “I never saw someone more dedicated to their child,” says a friend of Aubry’s.