Political views tend to be the fuse that binds the powder keg of extended families, and sometimes, they glow up and blow up. That seems to be the case for William “Byl” Holte, nephew and adopted son of legendary singer Patti LaBelle. Holte says his support for Donald Trump came at a steep personal cost, alleging that political disagreements contributed to his being banished from the Pennsylvania estate he had shared with the LaBelle for 12 years.
Holte recently revived the story on social media, claiming the fallout began around Christmas 2019. According to his account, LaBelle had told him he needed to move out. When the family discussed Trump as a threat, Holte says he questioned why he should fear the president when he had just been made homeless.
He alleges that the confrontation resulted in him being thrown out and eventually becoming estranged from LaBelle and members of her circle. Holte also accused his relatives of violating his right to free speech, saying he continued to face what he described as “lifetime banishment.”
LaBelle has not publicly responded to Holte’s latest allegations. However, the singer previously discussed their political differences in a 2020 interview with Oprah Magazine, acknowledging that Holte had Republican views while she did not. She said she loved him despite their political disagreement, but indicated that she objected when family matters became public.
Holte also became nationally known during a bizarre 2020 social media controversy involving former Pennsylvania Republican politician Dean Browning. A post from Browning’s account claimed to be from a Black gay man and declared, “Everything is so much better under Trump.” Holte was subsequently identified as the person associated with the message.
People online are criticizing Holte
Online reaction to Holte’s renewed accusations has been overwhelmingly skeptical. One Reddit user mocked the situation by writing, “’So much better under trump’ sooo why don’t you own your own home bro? Come on trumps got your back doesn’t he?” Another said he had “12 years” to save for one. Others argued that his account suggested there was more to the family dispute than politics alone.
“[Expletive] stirrer shocked when stirring [expletive] makes him a pariah in his own family,” another commenter wrote. Some commenters also criticized Holte for publicly discussing the family dispute, with one saying he should have been grateful for the years of housing. “He’s been staying at her house for free for twelve years. What absolute nerve to complain about getting your own place after 12 years and insisting on saying things he knew she didn’t agree with,” believes one commenter.
For now, Holte’s allegations provide only his version of events. While his political differences with LaBelle are documented, the available reporting does not establish that his Trump support alone caused the alleged eviction or the years-long estrangement. Still, it appears LaBelle has earned some praise after some people believed Holte’s allegations, with certain commenters writing, “Her house, her rules, tough [expletive] buddy.”
