Adam Dell Taking Padma Lakshmi To Court For Custody, Things Already Getting Nasty

Adam Dell's seven hours a week with his and Padma Lakshmi's daughter, Krishna, isn't enough. He filed a suit in Manhattan Supreme Court last night against the Top Chef host for full custody. Things are already getting messy!

Adam, a venture capitalist and Columbia professor, claims that Padma has not been responding to his pleas to spend more time with their daughter and has had to deal with her slew of assistants and handlers when trying to fit visitations into Padma's busy schedule. The statement released through Adam's lawyer Bill Zabel reads:

"Adam Dell, above all else, wants to have an active and substantial role in the upbringing of his daughter with Padma Lakshmi. 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 Ms. Lakshmi has given him no other choice at this time."

Padma and Adam briefly dated in 2009, first being spotted together at the South Beach Wine & Food Festival, and then grabbing dinner at La Esquina. A month later they were seen with Elton John and Elizabeth Hurley at Evelyn Lauder's party for breast cancer research, but that seemed to be the extent of their relationship at the time, since she was dating IMG owner Teddy Forstmann.

Teddy was by Padma's side through her pregnancy and many believed he was the father until Adam was outed by Page Six. No one is named officially on the birth certificate, a clear sign that Padma would not like Adam to play a significant role in their daughter's life.

In response to the suit, Padma's rep tells the Post, "It appears to us that Mr. Dell remains more interested in garnering media attention than working out details to see Krishna or in her welfare."

Ouch. It can't be a good sign that things are getting this mean, this quick.

Related: [Adam Dell and Padma Lakshmi Just Friends With Benefits?]

For more on Adam's Social life:

[David Lauren Hosts Celebration For Greg Lauren's "Alteration"] [New York Junior League Ball]