JOEY Lawrence has issued a statement regarding rumors that he cheated on his wife with his co-star Melina Alves.
The actor recently announced that he and his wife, Samantha Cope, have parted ways.
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On Thursday, Joey shared a lengthy post on Instagram addressing chatter that he had an affair.
“With a deep sense of responsibility, I want to respond to the recent allegations surround my personal life, including my divorce and the claims of an affair with Melina Alves,” Joey’s post began.
He then denied ever having a “physical relationship” with Melina and swore they acted professionally while filming their new holiday movie.
“Melina and I became close friends and I did not have a physical relationship with her while filming the movie ‘Socked in for Christmas.’ These rumors are false. Our bond was based on shared experiences and an understanding of the challenges we were both facing in our personal lives.”
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‘CLINGING TO HOPE’
The TV star also spoke on the dissolution of his marriage and insisted that Melina had nothing to do with the separation.
“At the time I met Melina, I was in the midst of a deeply troubled marriage. I was clinging to the hope that I could save a relationship that, in my heart, I knew was beyond saving. My short-lived marriage was fraught with difficulties from the beginning. Our differences became insurmountable.”
Joey then accused Samantha of not being accepting of his oldest daughters from a previous relationship.
“As a father, my three daughters are my world. They are, and always will be, my top priority. The unraveling of my married was tied to my realization that there was no way my two eldest daughters were ever going to be accepted by my wife to be part of my family.
“I cannot and will not compromise on the love and care that my daughters deserve, and this realization played a significant role in my relationship,” the Melissa & Joey star added.
Joey shares his daughters Charleston and Liberty with his ex-wife Chandie Lawrence.
The Blossom alum concluded his post by thanking fans for respecting his privacy during this “difficult chapter.”
Fans rallied behind the Brotherly Love star and shared encouraging words for him in the comments.
Samantha filed for divorce earlier this month, citing irreconcilable differences as the reason for the split.
The pair initially separated in June, and things appeared to turn ugly as Samantha is demanding full custody of their daughter Dylan.
Joey Lawrence’s Ex Wives
Joey Lawrence’s wife, Samantha Lawrence, filed for divorce on August 21, 2024. The couple was married for two years. Court documents show that they split two months before the Lifetime actress filed for divorce.
Here’s a look at Joey Lawrence’s ex-wives:
- Samantha Lawrence
- Chandie Lawrence
- Michelle Vella
In the documents, the actress reportedly requested that her ex only be allowed to visit their daughter at her discretion.
Samantha also said in her filing that she’d be willing to grant Joey time with Dylan two nights a week when the youngster – born in January 2023 – turns three.
Joey and Samantha tied the knot in May 2022 after a one-year engagement.
They met in 2020 while working together on the Lifetime movie A Deadly Deed.
In March, Joey admitted to Page Six that he was a “hopeless romantic” after getting married three times.
His first marriage was to Michelle Vella, which ended in 2005 after three years.
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