INFphoto.comPadma Lakshmi's got baby-daddy drama.
Adam Dell, the Top Chef host's ex and father of their 11-month-old baby girl, Krishna, filed a custody suit in Manhattan, claiming he only sees his daughter seven hours a week.
Lakshmi had tried to keep Dell's identity secret during and after the birth, but he was revealed as the father last March amid reports that he was negotiating new visitation rights.
Dell, brother of billionaire Dell Inc. founder Michael Dell, splits his time between Austin and New York and has become extremely unhappy with the duo's arrangement concerning their daughter, born last Feb. 20.
The 41-year-old venture capitalist Tuesday asked Manhattan Supreme Court to award him full custody of Krishna because Lakshmi has allegedly ignored his requests to spend more time with their baby.
Dell's lawyer, Bill Zabel, told the New York Post that Dell just wants a "substantial role" in raising his daughter.
"Unfortunately, Ms. Lakshmi has severely limited his time with their daughter and has refused to negotiate a reasonable co-parenting agreement. Mr. Dell has tried his best to avoid going to court, but Mrs. Lakshmi has given him no other choice at this time," Zabel said.
Apparently, Lakshmi's hectic schedule—including her hosting, cookbook and jewelry line duties—is forcing Dell to fly to her location (most recently the Bahamas) to see his daughter. He also wants Krishna to share his surname with Lakshmi's and be named on the birth certificate.
Lakshmi is currently dating IMG honcho Teddy Forstmann.
Calls to Dell's lawyer and Lakshmi's rep have not been returned.