Joey Lawrence has stepped up to defend himself amid recent allegations.
This month, it was reported that Samantha Cope filed for divorce from the actor after just two years of marriage.
Cope cited “irreconcilable differences” as the reason for their separation and has commented publicly on the situation…
…but sources suggest that she ended the marriage because Lawrence was allegedly involved with Melina Alves, his co-star from *Sock in for Christmas*.
In response to these claims, Lawrence has recently taken to social media to set the record straight.
“I want to address the recent allegations regarding my personal life, including my divorce and the rumors of an affair with Melina Alves,” he stated in an Instagram post.
“While filming *Sock in for Christmas*, Melina and I developed a close friendship, but I did not engage in a physical relationship with her. These rumors are unfounded. Our connection was rooted in shared experiences and mutual understanding of the personal challenges we both faced.”
Lawrence continued by explaining that he encountered Alves during a particularly turbulent time in his difficult marriage with Cope, stating:
“I was desperately trying to salvage a relationship that I knew, deep down, was doomed. My marriage had significant challenges from the start, and our differences grew too great to overcome.”
Alves echoed this sentiment earlier in the week.
“I want to clarify that Joey and I did not have a sexual relationship while we were filming. Our connection was a meaningful friendship that arose from our similar life situations,” she stated on Instagram.
Alves also highlighted her own troubled relationship, mentioning that she had taken legal measures against her estranged husband.
“This is a personal matter that I never wanted to publicize, and I hope this clarification puts an end to the speculation, allowing both Joey and me to move forward without further intrusion,” Alves concluded.
On Thursday, Lawrence emphasized that his two eldest daughters, Charleston, 18, and Liberty, 14, from his previous marriage with Chandie Yawn-Nelson, remain his main priority.
“As a father, my three daughters mean the world to me. Their well-being is my top concern,” he expressed. “I realized that my daughters might never accept my wife as part of the family, and this insight played a crucial role in the dissolution of my marriage.”
Lawrence, who shares a 14-month-old child with Cope, added:
“I understand that living in the public eye means facing scrutiny, which can be challenging. However, the well-being of my children is my utmost priority.”
He concluded by thanking fans for their understanding and respect during this difficult time.
