Patti LaBelle’s 65-year-old nephew and adopted son, William “Byl” Holte, says a years-long family dispute over his political views ultimately ended with him being cut out of the singer’s life. In a series of social media posts, Holte claimed that LaBelle kicked him out of her home, where he was living rent-free, after a 2019 confrontation.”
According to The Grio, Holte said the breaking point came around Christmas 2019, shortly after LaBelle told him he needed to leave the home they had shared for 12 years. Holte said an argument erupted while relatives were discussing politics and his support for Donald Trump. He claimed that his response to the conversation angered family members and led to him being thrown out.
In a lengthy post on X (formerly Twitter), Holte described what followed as a painful break with both LaBelle and other relatives.
“My punishment for using my 1st Amendment right this way was LIFETIME BANISHMENT. And as of today, she’s still not speaking to me.”