“Top Chef” star Eric Adjepong allegedly violated a restraining order against his ex-wife, Janell Mack, more than a year before his daughter obtained a protective order against him. Janell took Eric to court in January 2025, successfully obtaining a temporary protective order that barred him from contacting her by “any means.” One day after the order was set, on Jan. 23, Eric allegedly asked his former wife via the “OurFamilyWizard” parenting app to FaceTime him.
A court summons was issued, and Eric was reminded to never contact her again. The protective order was effective through Feb. 4, 2025. Eric responded via his attorney that the alleged violation entailed contacting his ex-wife regarding their daughter through the court-mandated app, creating a conflict with the protective order. The alleged violation was dismissed because the court recognized that conflict.
On Wednesday, the former couple’s daughter Lennox successfully obtained a year-long protective order after Eric was accused of sexually abusing her. The allegations were brought to Child and Family Services on May 1, which then notified Washington, D.C. police, who found no probable cause that a crime occurred. However, a Howard County, Maryland judge issued a final protective order against Eric on July 10, which will last one year.
A judge ruled that “there is a preponderance of the evidence” to believe Adjepong physically abused his daughter. The order bars the celebrity chef from contacting or being alone with his daughter until he completes parenting courses and reunification therapy. He can have supervised visits with his daughter while the order is in place.
Eric posted a statement on Instagram: “The past several weeks have been among the most difficult of my life. I have remained silent not because I lacked a response, but because I believe integrity is measured by how you conduct yourself when your character is being questioned. Others can choose rhetoric. I will choose truth.” The Food Network personality responded through his attorney he is abiding by the order and hopes to resolve matters privately for the well-being of their daughter.
Janell posted a statement on Instagram: “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.”
