Top Chef star Eric Adjepong’s 7-year-old daughter, Lennox, was granted a protective order against him amid abuse claims.
According to court records viewed by Us on Thursday, July 23, Adjepong, 38, was ordered by a Maryland court to not abuse, contact and enter the residence where Lennox resides. Adjepong, who shares Lennox with ex Janelle Davis-Mack, was also ordered to stay away from his daughter’s school and child care providers as well as surrender his firearms.
The protective order was granted for one year.
The Washington Post reported that the judge ruled that “there is a preponderance of the evidence to believe” Adjepong physically abused his daughter. Adjepong will be allowed to see his daughter but only via supervised visits. He also must complete parenting classes and reunification therapy with Lennox.
Adjepong addressed the court’s ruling in a statement shared via social media on Thursday.
“The past several weeks have been among the most difficult of my life,” the lengthy Instagram statement began. “I have remained silent not because I lacked a response, but because I believe integrity is measured by how you conduct yourself when your character is being questioned.”
The chef continued, “Others can choose rhetoric. I will choose truth. Others can seek public opinion. I will continue to place my faith in God, honor the Court, and let my character speak for itself, as it always has throughout my life. My faith has taught me that truth does not need to be loud to endure. As a father, my responsibility has never changed. As a man, neither have my values.”
Adjepong added that his “foremost priority will always be” Lennox and he denied the abuse allegations.
“I dearly love her, and as her first line of defense, I am here to encourage and protect her, and would never weaponize or abuse her, full stop,” he wrote. “I will continue to protect her privacy, innocence and respect the legal process, and trust that truth, my character and time reveal what headlines cannot.”
The Food Network star’s statement ended with a message of gratitude for his legal team and to those who have remained by his side.
“To everyone who has prayed for me, encouraged me, and stood beside me through this season, thank you,” he shared. “I ask that you continue to keep my daughter and my family in your prayers.”
Adjepong rose to fame after competing on Top Chef: Kentucky season 16, where he was a finalist. He went on to participate in Top Chef: All-Stars L.A and additional Food Network shows including Guy Fieri’s Tournament of Champions. In 2022, Adjepong became Alex Guarnaschelli’s cohost on Alex vs. America for its fifth season.
