Top Chef's Eric Adjepong Ordered to Stay Away from Daughter

Reality TV star Eric Adjepong, known for his appearances on Top Chef and the Food Network, has been ordered by a court to stay away from his daughter for one year following allegations of abuse, according to TMZ.

The case involves his daughter Lennox, whom he shares with his ex-wife Janell Mack. Court proceedings began in May, with a final hearing on July 10. The ruling requires Adjepong to stay away from Lennox, her residence, her school, and her childcare providers until July 10, 2027. He is also barred from contacting the child, who was born in 2018.

Details of the alleged abuse have not been disclosed, but Janell's attorney, Todd Mohink, told TMZ: "I believe the court did its job to protect the best interest of the child." Adjepong, through his attorney, said he would not discuss the allegations publicly to protect his daughter's privacy, emphasizing that the allegations arose during a long-running divorce and custody battle that concluded on June 2, 2026.

The chef stated he respects the court and is "strictly complying with every facet of the order." He also expressed hope that future matters could be resolved privately and through legal channels rather than in the press, for the sake of their daughter. TMZ reports that no criminal charges were filed in this case.

Adjepong is a Washington, D.C.-based chef who was a finalist on season 16 of Bravo's Top Chef and returned for season 17 of "Top Chef All-Stars." He has also appeared on various Food Network shows, including Selena Gomez's "Selena + Chef."

He and Janell married in 2017 but separated in 2021. In a social media statement, Janell said: "My daughter has watched me rebuild our life focused on our safety after I divorced her father 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."

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." The story has sparked discussions about child protection and the challenges celebrities face in family court battles.