Actor Joey Lawrence is speaking out since news of his divorce went public.
The former teen star took to Instagram to share a statement with his fans, writing, “With a deep sense of responsibility, I want to respond to the recent allegations surrounding my personal life, including my divorce and the claims of an affair with Melina Alves,” he began.
“Melina and I became close friends and I did not have a physical relationship with her while filming the movie ‘Socked in for Christmas,’” Lawrence continued. “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. At the time I met Melina, I was in the midst of a deeply troubled marriage,” he admitted.
“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,” Lawrence revealed.
The actor then addressed how his relationship was affected his three daughters, who he called “my world.” Lawrence said his kids are and will remain “my top priority.”
“The unraveling of my marriage 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,” Lawrence said candidly. “I cannot and will not compromise on the love and care that my daughters deserve, and this realization played a significant role in the breakdown of my relationship.”
“I understand that my life is often in the public eye, and with that comes a level of scrutiny that can be difficult to bear. However, I must emphasize that the wellbeing of my children is of the utmost importance. Thank you for your understanding and respect as I navigate this difficult chapter in my families lite,” his statement concluded.
Lawrence’s statement comes after it was reported that he and his wife of two years Samantha Cope had filed for divorce. Lawerence and Cope share one child together.
The actor’s two oldest daughters are from a different relationship.
Cope has not shared a direct statement regarding her impending divorce but has shared a post on Instagram which showed some of the highs and lows she’s lived through.
“An amazing friend of mine recently told me ‘don’t be afraid of the tears. Let them flow. Because every tear is God gently squeezing the pain and devastation from your heart to make room for new beautiful feelings to come in,’” Cope wrote in the caption.
“She also reminded me: ‘the more you cry, the less you pee.’ So let them flow. You got this.”
Lawrence’s post comes days after Alves addressed the rumors about her and Lawerence as well. “It is with a deep sadness and heavy heart that I must address the recent allegations about the relationship between myself and Joey Lawrence, which have unfortunately become a public matter,” her statement began.
“As a private person, it is deeply distressing to see such personal and sensitive issues being discussed so openly and inaccurately. First and foremost, I want to clarity that there was no sexual relationship between Joey and myself while we were on set filming ‘Socked in for Christmas.’”
“Our relationship was a meaningful friendship that developed naturally due to the many similarities in our personal situations. When I met Joey, I was immediately struck by his kindness, warmth, and genuine character. We found common ground in our shared experiences, which led to a strong, supportive friendship that has been a source of strength for both of us,” Alves continued.
Alves made it a point to give necessary context to the stories being told about her, saying that she and her “ex-husband have been estranged since January 2023, and we have been living in separate rooms since that time.”
The screenwriter said their “marriage had been struggling for some time, and the separation was a necessary step for both of us.”
“Furthermore, I feel compelled to share that my estranged husband has presented situations that necessitated me to obtain a temporary restraining order. This was a difficult and deeply personal decision, made solely to protect myself in a time of vulnerability.”