Patti LaBelle has found herself at the center of a long-running family dispute.
The Godmother of Soul has long been known for her Democratic allegiance, while her adopted son and nephew, Byl Holte, is a Republican.
Their different views have reportedly taken a toll on their relationship, leaving behind a fractured bond that Holte has now brought into the spotlight.
4Holte revisited the reason for their estrangement in a lengthy social media post, opening with, “Here’s what supporting TRUMP cost me.”
According to Holte, the conflict began back at Christmas 2019, when LaBelle told him to leave the home he had shared with her for 12 years.
He added that things escalated when he reacted during a discussion in which LaBelle and other relatives described Trump as a “threat.”
“I asked her ‘why should I be afraid of Trump when you’re the one who just made me homeless?’” Holte wrote on X. “Her family instantly attacked me and threw me out of her house.”
Holte continued that the “Lady Marmalade” singer no longer speaks to him and even objected to him discussing their relationship publicly. He also claimed that those in the actress’s inner circle have also distanced themselves from him.
“My punishment for using my 1st Amendment right this way was LIFETIME BANISHMENT,” Holte lamented. Although he has now stepped away from politics, Holte said the “hate” is still there. However, he views it as a validation that he is “doing something RIGHT.”
Fans React To Patti LaBelle’s Son’s Claims
Holte’s decision to revisit the family dispute quickly sparked mixed reactions online. While some slammed him, others criticized LaBelle.
One user wrote, “1st amendment does not apply to familial issues, but I don’t expect a Trump supporter to know that.” A second netizen opined that Holte should be embarrassed because “airing out family grievances on social media is a disgrace.”
A third observer echoed a similar sentiment, noting that Holte had shared a one-sided story that “stoked” attacks on LaBelle. Another commentator criticized Holte, writing, “You can’t be a MAGA freeloader.”
Others were critical of the singer. “Wow, I had no idea Patti LaBelle was such a scumbag,” this social media user shared. Another called the situation “horrible,” adding that “any family member that would ostracize another family member over politics needs Jesus.”
LaBelle Chose To Take The ‘High Road’ With Holte
4While reactions continue to pour in, LaBelle has not publicly addressed her nephew’s latest allegations. However, she has spoken about their differences in the past.
After a viral 2020 tweet involving Holte drew attention, LaBelle addressed the controversy and stressed that she would not allow ideological disagreements to destroy family ties.
“I love Billy. He has a Republican mind. And, guess what? I don’t,” LaBelle said at that time, per Billboard. “But do I hate him for having the mind that he has? No, I can’t.”
The 82-year-old also explained that she had set boundaries regarding discussions that involved her personally.
“I decided to take the high road with him by letting him know that you make mistakes-but when my name comes in that mistake, that’s a no-no,” LaBelle shared.
The ‘On My Own’ Singer Voiced Support For Kamala Harris
4Despite tensions within her family, LaBelle has remained outspoken about her support for Democratic candidates. Ahead of the 2024 election, she performed at the Democratic National Convention and afterward, spoke positively about then-candidate Kamala Harris.
When asked to describe Harris, LaBelle told Billboard, “I think she’s… what they call ‘brat’ or whatever, I call it gangster!”
She went on to add that she admired Harris’s confidence, warmth, and ability to bring hope, saying her presidency would feel like “a Christmas present to everybody.”
LaBelle’s ‘8065’ Album Celebrated Her Enduring Legacy
4Away from the family controversy, LaBelle has continued to reach new milestones in her decades-long music career. She released an album to commemorate her 80th birthday two years ago and mark her journey in entertainment.
As The Blast previously reported, LaBelle revealed that the project represents 80 years of life and 65 years in the entertainment industry.
The Grammy winner also reflected on how fortunate she feels to have reached this stage in life, especially after losing her sisters before they turned 50.