Former Top Chef and current Food Network star Eric Adjepong has been ordered to stay away from his seven-year-old daughter for no less than a year due to 'a preponderance of the evidence' that he physically abused the child. Adjepong's accuser is his ex-wife Janell Davis-Mack, The Washington Post first reported. Howard County Circuit Court Judge Maurice C. Frazier made the ruling on July 10, The Post, TMZ, and USA Today all reported, citing Maryland court records. Adjepong - one of the three chefs to make it to the show's final in 2019 - responded to the allegations in a statement sent to USA Today and TMZ via his attorney on Thursday. '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,' the statement read. The attorney noted that the couple's divorce 'finally concluded' on June 2. The two tied the knot in 2017 and split in 2021. Details about the alleged assault have not been made public.

Frazier's ruling demands the 38-year-old Wildcard Kitchen host not only stay away from his only daughter until July 10, 2027, but also avoid all contact. Adjepong's statement to TMZ and USA Today stated that he has 'the utmost respect' for the circuit court that issued the protective order. Adjepong noted that he was 'strictly complying with every facet of the order, which is designed to ensure that my daughter is safe and treated respectfully. My foremost concern is my daughter's well-being,' the statement asserted.

'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.' Adjepong also pointed out how 'The District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department closed [an] investigation without filing charges.' The nature of the case was not specified. The Child and Family Services Agency 'concluded its investigation with an ‘unfounded’ disposition, which its report defines as not true,' the statement said. The order allows for supervised visits between Adjepong and the child. Davis-Mack’s attorney, Todd K. Mohink, told The Washington Post, that 'the court did the right thing to protect the best interests of the child.'

She wrote on Instagram on July 17, '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. 'Unfortunately for him - I’ll never stop believing her, protecting her, or reminding her that her voice matters.' Adjepong has offered his cooking expertise to shows like Live with Kelly and Ryan, CBS Mornings, and Good Morning America. He also hosts the Food Network series Alex vs. America, and makes regular appearances on Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions, Guy’s Grocery Games and Beat Bobby Flay.