Eric Adjepong, known for his appearances on "Top Chef," allegedly violated a restraining order filed by his ex-wife, Janell Mack, more than a year before his daughter secured a protective order against him, TMZ has learned.
Janell took Eric to court in January 2025 and obtained a temporary protective order that prohibited him from contacting her by any means.
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One day after the order was set, on Jan. 23, Eric allegedly asked his ex-wife via the OurFamilyWizard parenting app to FaceTime him.
A court summons was issued, and Eric was reminded not to contact her again. The protective order was effective through Feb.
4, 2025.
Eric told TMZ through his attorney that the alleged violation involved contacting his ex-wife about their daughter through the OurFamilyWizard app, a court-mandated communications tool used during divorce and custody proceedings.
The alleged violation was dismissed because the court recognized a conflict between the required method of communication and the protective order.
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Eric also posted a statement on Instagram, saying the past several weeks have been among the most difficult of his life.
He stated he remained silent not because he lacked a response, but because he believes integrity is measured by conduct when character is questioned.
It is unclear what Eric allegedly did that led Janell to obtain the protective order.
The pair were married between 2017 and 2021 and share a 7-year-old daughter named Lennox.
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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.
The Food Network personality told TMZ through his attorney he is abiding by the order, expressing hope that future matters can be resolved privately and through proper legal channels rather than in the press, for the well-being of their daughter.
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Janell posted a statement on Instagram, saying her daughter was granted a protective order because she was brave enough to speak up against someone who should have been one of the most trusted adults in her life.
