Top Chef finalist and Food Network personality Eric Adjepong has been ordered by a court to stay away from his young daughter for one year following family court proceedings involving allegations of abuse. The order, issued after a final hearing on July 10, requires Adjepong to have no contact with the child through July 10, 2027.
The case stems from proceedings involving Adjepong and his ex-wife, Janell Mack, who share a daughter born in 2018. While the underlying allegations remain under seal or otherwise undisclosed, the court’s order places restrictions on the celebrity chef’s contact with the child. No criminal charges have been filed in connection with the matter.
Court Issues One-Year Protective Order
According to information obtained by TMZ, court proceedings began in May and concluded with a final hearing on July 10.
The resulting order requires Adjepong to stay away from his daughter’s residence, school and childcare providers through July 10, 2027.
He is also prohibited from contacting the child during that period.
The specific allegations that led to the protective order have not been made public.
Janell Mack’s attorney, Todd Mohink, declined to discuss those allegations but told TMZ, “I believe the court did its job to protect the best interest of the child.”
Because the details remain undisclosed, the court’s reasoning beyond the issuance of the order has not been publicly released.
Eric Adjepong Responds
Through his attorney, Adjepong said he would not publicly discuss the allegations because they involve his young 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,” he told TMZ.
He added that the allegations arose during what he described as a long-running divorce and custody proceeding that concluded on June 2, 2026.
Adjepong also emphasized that he respects the court’s decision.
He said he is “strictly complying with every facet of the order.”
The chef expressed hope that future disputes with his ex-wife can be handled privately through the legal system rather than through media coverage, saying that approach would best serve their daughter’s well-being.
TMZ also reported that no criminal charges have been filed in connection with the matter.
Janell Mack Speaks Out
Following the court’s decision, Janell Mack shared a statement on social media reflecting on the family’s experience.
She wrote that after divorcing Adjepong four years ago, she focused on rebuilding a life centered on safety for herself and her daughter.
Mack also said she has taught her daughter about body autonomy, consent, personal boundaries and the importance of speaking to trusted adults if she ever feels unsafe.
In her statement, she said her 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.”
Those comments reflect Mack’s perspective and have not been independently verified through publicly released court findings.
Eric Adjepong’s Television Career
Adjepong is best known as a finalist on Season 16 of Bravo’s Top Chef before returning for Top Chef All-Stars.
The Washington, D.C.-based chef has also become a familiar face on Food Network, appearing on numerous cooking programs, including Selena + Chef alongside Selena Gomez.
He and Mack married in 2017 before separating in 2021.
His culinary career has earned him national recognition, making the family court proceedings a matter of public interest due to his television profile.
Why the Story Matters
The case underscores the distinction between family court proceedings and criminal cases.
While the court issued a protective order restricting Adjepong’s contact with his daughter, TMZ reports that no criminal charges have been filed.
Because the allegations remain confidential, many of the facts underlying the court’s decision are not publicly available. As a result, it is important to distinguish between what has been confirmed by court orders, what the parties themselves have said and what has not been disclosed.
Human Angle
At the center of the case is a young child whose identity and privacy remain paramount.
Both parents, despite offering different public perspectives, have said their focus is their daughter’s well-being. Adjepong says he hopes future matters can be resolved privately, while Mack says she believes her daughter showed courage by speaking up.
With the protective order now in effect through July 2027, the family court proceedings have entered a new chapter, even as many details remain confidential.
