The ‘Alex vs. America’ host has been banned from spending time alone with his daughter after ex-wife Janelle Davis-Mack was granted an order of protection.
Eric Agyepong has opened up about his family life amid his custody battle with ex-wife Janelle Davis-Mack.
The couple separated in 2022. Davis-Mack is now accusing the chef and Food Network star of child abuse and seeking an order of protection for her 7-year-old daughter in Howard County Circuit Court, according to court records reviewed online by USA TODAY. The petition, filed on May 1, has since been finalized by a judge, barring Adjepong from having any unsupervised contact with his daughter.
“As this matter concerns my young daughter, whom I love deeply, I intend to protect her privacy and not publicly discuss the underlying allegations or other sensitive family issues,” Adjepong said in a statement to USA TODAY on Wednesday, July 22. “These allegations arose in the context of a lengthy divorce and custody case, which was ultimately concluded on June 2.”
Judge Maurice C. Frazier, who is overseeing the case, determined there was a “preponderance of the evidence” to believe that Mr. Adjepong physically abused his daughter, according to the Washington Post. As part of the terms of the restraining order, Agyepong cannot leave her daughter unsupervised until she completes parenting classes and reunification therapy, the report said.
A spokesperson for the District of Columbia Metropolitan Police Department confirmed to USA TODAY on Thursday, July 23, that the agency’s Juvenile Investigations Division was notified of the sexual abuse allegations by the D.C. Department of Children and Family Services on May 1. The identities of Agyepong and her daughter have not been released due to police policy regarding sexual abuse investigations.
An MPD spokesperson said detectives found no probable cause that a crime occurred, adding that the case has been referred to the D.C. Department of Children and Family Services.
Adjepong did not address Davis-Mack’s child abuse claims in his statement, but said the protective order “followed careful consideration by law enforcement and the District of Columbia Department of Children and Family Services,” adding, “The Metropolitan Police Department closed the investigation without filing charges. The CFSA closed the investigation with a ‘unfounded’ disposition, which the report defines as untrue.”
“I have the utmost respect for the circuit court that issued the protection order and am strictly complying with all aspects of the order, which is intended to ensure the safety and respectful treatment of my daughter,” Adjepong said. “My primary concern is for my daughter’s well-being. For her well-being, I sincerely hope that in the future my ex-wife and I can resolve these issues privately through appropriate legal channels rather than through the press.”
USA TODAY has reached out to Davis Mack for comment.
Eric Agyepong’s ex-wife doubles down on child abuse complaint under restraining order
Davis Mack mentioned his legal battle with Adjepong in a threaded post on July 17th. She said the protection order was granted against her father because the former couple’s daughter “had the courage to go against (someone) who was supposed to be one of the most trusted adults in her life.”
“My daughter has watched me rebuild my life with a focus on safety since my divorce from her father four years ago,” Davis Mack wrote. “I also taught her about bodily autonomy, consent, boundaries, and to tell a trusted adult when she feels unsafe.”
She added, “Unfortunately for him, I will never stop believing in her, protecting her and reminding her that her voice matters. We’ve been silent long enough.”
Who is Eric Adjepong?
Ghanaian-American chef Adjepong has helped put West African cuisine in the spotlight thanks to his numerous television appearances.
The culinary artist, who studied nutrition and culinary arts at Johnson & Wales University, competed on the 16th season of “Top Chef: Kentucky” in 2018 and placed in the top three. In 2020, he returned to the series with “Top Chef: All Stars LA.”
He has also appeared on Food Network shows over the years, including “Tournament of Champions,” “Chopped” and “Beat Bobby Flay.” In 2022, the acclaimed chef hosted the reality competition series “Alex Vs. America” starring Alex Guarnaschelli, followed by his own game show “Wild Card Kitchen” in 2024.
As a restaurateur, Adjepong is the owner of Elmina, a West African-inspired restaurant in Washington, DC.
This story has been updated to correct a typo.
