What To Know
- Food Network chef Eric Adjepong was issued a protective order after a Maryland judge found sufficient evidence to believe he physically abused his 7-year-old daughter.
- The protective order prevents Adjepong from contacting his daughter without permission and visiting her until he completes parenting classes and therapy.
- Adjepong addressed the allegations and protective order in a statement through his lawyers.
Eric Adjepong is speaking out after receiving a protective order from a Maryland judge.
The Washington Post reported on Thursday, July 23, that Howard County Circuit Court Judge Maurice C. Frazier determined that a “preponderance of the evidence” was found “to believe” that the Food Network star physically abused his 7-year-old daughter, whom he shares with his ex-wife, Janell Davis-Mack. The protective order prohibits Adjepong from contacting his daughter without permission and prevents him from visiting her until he completes parenting classes and reunification therapy.
Adjepong addressed the allegations and protective order through an email statement sent to the outlet by his lawyers. It reads in part, “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.”
The statement continues, “The Court’s protective order followed careful reviews by law enforcement and the District of Columbia Child and Family Services Agency (CFSA). The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department closed its investigation without filing charges. CFSA concluded its investigation with an ‘unfounded’ disposition, which its report defines as not true. I have the utmost respect for the Circuit Court that issued the protective order and am strictly complying with every facet of the order, which is designed to ensure that my daughter is safe and treated respectfully, and to ensure her reunification with her father.”
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Adjepong’s statement concluded, “The Judge eloquently described the nature of my relationship with her at the hearing. My foremost concern is my daughter’s well-being. 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.”
In another statement to the outlet, Davis-Mack’s attorney, Todd K. Mohink, said, “The court did the right thing to protect the best interests of the child.”
Per The Washington Post, Davis-Mack filed a protection petition on behalf of the pair’s daughter on May 1, accusing Adjepong of child abuse. In the petition, Davis-Mack claimed a nurse filed a report with the D.C. Child and Family Services Agency after examining the child, resulting in an investigation with the Washington, D.C. Police Department. Adjepong’s protective order was officially issued on July 10. Detectives reportedly found no evidence of sexual abuse, and Adjepong has not been charged with any crime.
Davis-Mack shared screenshots of Adjepong’s protective order via Instagram on Friday, July 17. “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 wrote. “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.”
Davis-Mack added, “Unfortunately for him – I’ll never stop believing her, protecting her, or reminding her that her voice matters. We’ve been quiet long enough.”
Adjepong has been a staple of food TV since competing on Season 16 of Top Chef back in 2018. He has appeared on several Food Network shows over the years, including Tournament of Champions, Chopped, Outchef’d, Beat Bobby Flay, and more. He also serves as the host of shows such as Alex vs America and Wildcard Kitchen.
