Joey Lawrence Seen Dancing Flirtatiously With Melina Alves Days After His Separation
By Afouda Bamidele on August 29, 2024 at 4:45 PM EDT
Joey Lawrence may want to get his facts straight as a new video refutes his claims of having no intimate relationship with Melina Alves.
The actor-singer recently made waves for setting the record straight about his ties to his "Socked in for Christmas" co-star. However, sources released a clip that showed him getting a little too handsy with the actress.
The controversy doesn't end there, as the video was taken in June, just one week after the separation date when Joey Lawrence's estranged wife was listed in her divorce filing.
Are Joey Lawrence & Melina Alves Telling The Truth About Their Relationship?
The newly surfaced video seemed like karma biting Lawrence's rear for denying his relationship with Alves; however, it was too soon to point fingers. The actor did look extremely happy dancing the night away with his co-star in his arms.
The pair let loose on the dance floor at AƱejo Cantina and Grill, a Mexican food restaurant in Sherman Oaks. Lawrence and Alves showcased impressive moves, rocking their bodies together in what can only be described as a flirty interaction.
Their passionate dancing intensified with Lawrence wrapping his arms around Alves' back and waist while her arms were hooked on his neck. The pair swayed from side to side, following the music's slow rhythm.
The flirty interactions continued, with Lawrence giving Alves a playful pat on her backside, seemingly signaling they were more than friends. TMZ claimed eyewitnesses saw the pair sharing kisses amid their date.
See the video here.
The Suspected Couple Are Embroiled In Divorce Cases
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The video of the suspected couple's date night was reportedly taken on June 14, a week after the separation date Lawrence's estranged wife, Samantha Cope, listed in her divorce filing.
Divorce was another thing Lawrence had in common with his rumored lover as Alves' estranged husband, Edward Rider, filed to end their marriage. The actress claimed she had a temporary restraining order against him, but insiders aired his plan to have it thrown out of court.
On that note, the duo's passionate dancing might have been their way of comforting each other amid their separation battles. Lawrence's attorney, Marty Singer, echoed similar sentiments in a recent statement, saying:
"It's a video showing Joey Lawrence after he was separated from his wife. The fact is they were shooting a movie at the end of March, and the stories that leaked that accused my client of having an affair are an absolute lie."
The Actor Claims He And Alves Bonded Over Their 'Shared Experiences'
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The video surfaced after Lawrence clarified his relationship with Alves. The Blast noted that he shared a statement about the dating speculations on Instagram, claiming the pair bonded over similar experiences.
"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, adding:
"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 continued, noting he met Alves amid his "deeply troubled marriage."
Joey Lawrence Says His Marriage Was Broken Long Before Alves' Arrival
The "Brotherly Love" star doubled down on Alves not being the reason behind his divorce, claiming his marital problems started long before they met. In Lawrence's words:
"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 claimed one of the reasons behind his separation from Cope was her inability to accept his two oldest daughters from a previous marriage. He stressed that he couldn't compromise on the love his children deserved and would continue to prioritize them alongside his third daughter with Cope.
Melina Alves' Estranged Husband Accuses Her Of Cheating
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Following Lawrence's statement, Alves echoed similar sentiments on Instagram about bonding with him over similar experiences. She denied having an intimate relationship, noting her dislike for the inaccurate speculations.
According to the actress, she was "immediately struck by [Lawrence's] kindness, warmth, and genuine character" when they met. Their bond eventually became "a strong, supportive friendship that has been a source of strength for both of us."
However, her estranged husband called BS on her narrative during their divorce proceedings in New Jersey. Rider reportedly accused Alves of committing adultery with Lawrence, claiming he discovered evidence of their affair.
While Joey Lawrence and Melina Alves vehemently deny having an intimate relationship, the new video seemingly hints at a spark between them. Could they be just good friends?