Childhood was such a hell for Halle

HALLE Berry is one of the most beautiful women in the world - but she once struggled with a weight problem and was so lacking in self- esteem she tried to kill herself.

Halle, 36, had to put up with an abusive father and a succession of lovers who treated her like dirt, according to a bombshell new book.

In the book, Introducing Halle Berry, author Christopher John Farley will include a series of astonishing revelations about the stunning actress.

Her father beat her mother and sister and once threw the family dog against a wall, claims Farley, and his violent behaviour is said to have affected Halle's relationships with men.

Farley claims that an unnamed Tinsel Town heartthrob romanced her but once hit her so hard she lost most of the hearing in one ear.

Halle blames herself for some of the problems, saying: "I took whomever chose me and often they weren't right."

After her marriage to baseball player David Justice broke up, Farley claims the actress contemplated suicide.

Halle made sure her courtship with present hubby Eric Benet was taken much slower.

But even Benet was caught cheating on her with another woman.

The book, which is expected to top the bestseller lists, is due out in America in November.

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