Joey Lawrence Slams Melina Alves Affair Rumors, Says Daughters Are 'My Top Priority'

Joey Lawrence is speaking out against claims of an affair with his co-star Melina Alves, adamantly stating that their relationship never crossed the line into romance. 

Speculation about a possible affair has been swirling but both Lawrence and Alves have consistently maintained that their connection was purely professional.

Joey Lawrence's top priority remains the well-being of his daughters, and he strives to keep his personal life drama-free.

Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the actor addressed the speculation head-on, clarifying that there was no physical relationship between him and Alves during their time working together. 

"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," Lawrence began, setting a serious tone.

Most importantly, Lawrence made it clear that his priority remains his daughters and that he will not let false accusations distract from what truly matters to him.

In the candid statement, the "Melissa & Joey" star admitted that his two-year union with Samantha Cope was doomed from the beginning, seemingly due to her inability to accept his two eldest daughters.

"The 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 was heartbreaking," Lawrence confessed. 

Lawrence emphasized that his commitment to his daughters is non-negotiable, stating, "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."

In his lengthy post, the father-of-three firmly denied any romantic involvement with Alves, emphasizing that their connection was purely platonic. In his words:

"Melina and I became close friends, but I did not have a physical relationship with her while filming the movie. 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." 

Lawrence painted a picture of a marriage that was "unraveling" long before rumors of his alleged affair with Alves surfaced. 

He clarified that his marriage was already "deeply troubled" by the time he met Alves, making it clear that the Brazilian star was not a factor in his marital issues.

"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 admitted.

As reported by The Blast, a day after rumors swirled suggesting an affair between the two, Alves took to Instagram to clarify the situation. 

The actress shared that she was "immediately struck by [Lawrence's] kindness, warmth, and genuine character" when they met. She noted their connection grew deeper during filming but remained strictly platonic.

Alves firmly dismissed any speculation, stating that their bond developed into "a strong, supportive friendship that has been a source of strength for both of us."

While Alves publicly denied any romantic link with Lawrence, her ex-husband, Edward Rider, challenged her story. Rider reportedly accused her of committing adultery with Lawrence during their divorce proceedings in New Jersey.

The embittered ex allegedly discovered evidence of the alleged relationship in March, suggesting it occurred when both were still married. Alves responded by asserting that she and Rider have been separated since January 2023 and has a temporary restraining order against him.

However, sources close to Rider dispute this, claiming the former couple was still living together earlier this year, raising questions about the accuracy of Alves' separation timeline.

As Lawrence faces public scrutiny, his estranged wife turned to social media to showcase her emotional journey through their divorce. The Blast noted that Cope shared a moving video on Instagram accompanied by a powerful message she got from a close friend. 

The advice she received was, "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."

Cope's video featured her in tears, tender moments with her daughter Dylan and her friends, and serene farm scenes. 

Despite the rumor mill's efforts, Joey Lawrence and Melissa Alves are focused on maintaining their reputations and moving forward.