Pose star Billy Porter and estranged husband Adam Smith now battling over mini cockapoo Lola, as divorce battle turns bitter
Billy Porter has a new beef with his estranged husband over their beloved dog as the couple's divorce becomes increasingly acrimonious.
The 'Pose' star, who announced his divorce from Adam Smith in July, claims his wife has denied him access to their mini cockapoo, Lola, since the summer and even changed her name.
But the fur really flew during a hearing in November when Smith's lawyers fired back, claiming Lola was his because the pup was a gift from Porter.
Now Porter is demanding an “access schedule” for the dog, similar to visitation rights for divorcing couples with children, according to a report on Allegedlya news blog run by New York City court reporter Victoria Bekiempis.
Billy Porter claims estranged husband Adam Smith denied him access to their mini cockapoo, Lola, after they split over the summer and even changed her name
A rep for the Broadway star confirmed the split in July this year, saying the decision was “amicable and mutual”
His lawyers insist the dog is a “marital asset” and claim Smith “deposed me as a father.”
With both sides showing their claws, Smith even suggested that Porter was an unfit parent for using drugs and having parties, prompting the judge to suggest daytime visits.
The flare-up occurred at the New York Supreme Court during the rift between Porter and Smith, a vintage swimwear designer, who announced their divorce in July after six years of marriage.
Porter's spokesperson said at the time that it was an “amicable and mutual” decision, but things have since become tense surrounding Lola.
The former couple welcomed the dog into their family in January 2021 with the full name Bader Lola Majors, or BLM, a nod to the Black Lives Matter movement.
They even created an Instagram profile for their pet, but the account has since been deactivated, an apparent casualty of their split – although it's unclear who deleted it.
During the Nov. 15 hearing, after a discussion about financial matters, Porter's attorney Margaret Brady told Judge Douglas Hoffman that there was “one other little thing… the parties had a dog.”
Judge Hoffman responded that it was “not a small matter,” adding that it “depends on which dog it is.”
Porter spoke in court to identify the dog breed: 'Cockapoo'.
Smith has argued that the adorable dog is his because she received him as a gift from Porter
Porter is demanding an “access schedule” for the dog, similar to visitation rights for divorcing couples with children
When Brady described the pet as a 'cute little dog', the judge revealed he knew the breed well and said: 'You're talking to a former cockapoo owner'.
Brady said, “I hope you'll be sympathetic. Defendant (Smith) has been refusing to give plaintiff (Porter) access to the dog since the middle of this summer. We would like an access schedule'.
Dana Stutman, Smith's attorney, responded, “Your Honor, it's not their dog. It was given as a gift'.
But Brady said that, as far as Porter was concerned, it was a “marital asset.”
Stutman insisted it was a birthday present from Porter, though she admitted that doesn't make it “a separate asset.”
She claimed that Porter had not once asked to see Lola in the past seven months.
Brady responded that Porter's request was “denied from the beginning” and that Porter would still like to see his pet.
Judge Hoffman asked when Porter wanted to see the dog, but Stutman said; 'As long as he can promise that he won't do drugs, that he won't throw parties.
A defiant Porter told the court: 'You will not give such offense to my name.'
Brady proposed a deal where both parties “agreed not to use drugs or drink alcohol while the dog is in their possession.”
Another option was for a “neutral third party” to be used to exchange the animal, rather than Porter and Smith doing it personally.
The couple, who met in 2009, tied the knot in January 2017, just 16 days after getting engaged
Heartfelt: In February this year, Porter wrote a heartfelt tribute to his husband in honor of his birthday
Stutman told the court: 'I can certainly make sure he (Porter) can see (the dog), but to spend the night with him (Porter) is something that is very difficult.
'If you want to test whether there is suitability to care for a dog, we will do that. But I don't think that's really what Mr. Porter wants.”
Judge Hoffman said he did not want to appoint a forensic veterinarian, which would be similar to a child custody hearing where experts assess the child's best interests.
He suggested he visit for a 'significant' amount of time during the day and asked what the dog's name was, causing another tense conversation.
When Stutman said “Lola,” Porter told the court, “He (Smith) changed the name.”
Brady, Porter's attorney, said the dog's name was Bader, prompting Porter to give her full name: “Brady Lola Majors.”
After blocking access to the animal, Smith changed the name, Brady said. Porter added: 'And took me as a father'
When Judge Hoffman asked what the dog's name was now, Porter said, “Lola, the mini cockapoo.” The Smiths' lawyer agreed that it was now Lola.
The Pose star was inducted into the Hollywood Walk of Fame Star during a ceremony in December 2022
The judge asked both parties to “arrange reasonable access” and said daytime visits were a good start.
'The dog is a member of the family. He can come visit with the dog. Let's work that out reasonably. Okay?' the judge said, to which Stutman replied yes.
Porter and Smith had briefly dated after meeting in February 2009, but Porter ended the relationship in 2010.
They reunited in 2015 with a brunch date and a trip to see Hamilton at the Public Theater in New York.
Porter told Smith he loved him and wanted to “give it another try,” and Smith felt the same way.
They got married in January 2017, just 16 days after they got engaged, because they wanted to get married before Donald Trump took office as president.
DailyMail.com has contacted attorneys and representatives for Porter and Smith.
In a statement to When asked for comment by Allegedly, Porter's PR told the website: 'Seriously? Aren't there more important things you could write about?'