Top Chef alum Eric Adjepong ordered to stay away from daughter
A court order bars the chef from contacting his daughter for one year after abuse allegations, TMZ reports; he says he is complying.
By Poppy Nakagawa · Culture Writer
2 min read
Eric Adjepong, the chef known from Top Chef and Food Network, has been ordered to stay away from his young daughter for one year after alleged abuse, according to TMZ.
The order followed court proceedings involving Adjepong, his ex-wife Janell Mack and their daughter, Lennox, TMZ reports. The case began in May, with a final hearing held July 10.
Under the order, Adjepong must stay away from Lennox, her home, her school and her childcare providers until July 10, 2027, according to TMZ. He is also barred from contacting the child, who was born in 2018.
The specific allegations have not been made public. TMZ reports that no criminal charges were filed in the matter.
Mack’s attorney, Todd Mohink, told TMZ, “I believe the court did its job to protect the best interest of the child.”
Adjepong responded through his attorney, telling TMZ that he would not discuss the allegations in detail because the matter involves his daughter.
“Because this matter involves my young daughter, whom I love deeply, I intend to protect her privacy and will not discuss the underlying allegations or other sensitive family matters publicly other than to say that these allegations arose in the context of a long running divorce and custody proceeding, which finally concluded on June 2, 2026,” Adjepong said, according to TMZ.
Adjepong also told TMZ he respects the court and is “strictly complying with every facet of the order.”
He added, “It is my fervent hope that in the future my ex-wife and I can resolve these matters privately and through the proper legal channels, rather than in the press, if only for the well-being of our daughter.”
Mack addressed the order in a social media statement, saying her daughter had seen her rebuild their life with a focus on safety after divorcing Adjepong four years ago.
“I’ve also taught her about body autonomy, consent, boundaries, and to tell the trusted adults around her when she feels unsafe,” Mack wrote, according to TMZ.
She added, “My daughter was just granted a protective order against her father because she was brave enough to speak up against who should have been one of the most trusted adults in her life.”
Adjepong is based in Washington, D.C. He was a finalist on season 16 of Bravo’s Top Chef and later appeared on season 17, Top Chef All-Stars. His television work also includes Food Network appearances, including Selena Gomez’s Selena + Chef, according to TMZ.
Adjepong and Mack married in 2017 and separated in 2021, TMZ reports.
This story draws on original reporting from TMZ.