Joey Lawrence Denies Affair with Co-Star Amid Divorce Proceedings

Actor Joey Lawrence has refuted allegations of an extramarital affair with his "Socked in for Christmas" co-star Melina Alves, addressing the rumors in a lengthy social media statement.

1. **Lawrence's Statement:** In his statement, Lawrence acknowledged the recent allegations surrounding his personal life, including his divorce and the claims of an affair with Alves. He vehemently denied having a physical relationship with Alves while filming the upcoming holiday movie.

2. **Friendship Acknowledged:** Lawrence acknowledged that he and Alves became close friends during production, but emphasized that their bond was solely based on shared experiences and an understanding of their respective personal challenges.

Joey Lawrence Denies Affair with Co-Star Amid Divorce Proceedings

3. **Troubled Marriage:** Lawrence admitted that at the time he met Alves, he was navigating a troubled marriage with Samantha Cope. He clung to the hope of salvaging a failing relationship that he deep down knew was beyond repair.

4. **Children's Welfare:** Lawrence emphasized that his three daughters remain his top priority and that their well-being drove his decision to end his marriage. He could not compromise on the love and care they deserved.

Joey Lawrence Denies Affair with Co-Star Amid Divorce Proceedings

5. **Public Scrutiny:** Lawrence acknowledged that his personal life is often under public scrutiny, but stressed that his children's well-being outweighed any level of scrutiny he may face.

6. **Cope's Divorce Filing:** Lawrence mentioned that Cope filed for divorce on August 13, and that the couple had separated on June 7, 2024, according to court documents obtained by Fox News Digital. The divorce proceedings are ongoing.

Joey Lawrence Denies Affair with Co-Star Amid Divorce Proceedings

7. **Alves' Denial:** Melina Alves, Lawrence's alleged affair partner, also took to social media to deny the allegations. She emphasized that there was no sexual relationship between them during filming and that their connection was solely based on friendship.

8. **Alves' Estranged Husband:** Alves revealed that her estranged husband, Edward Rider, had filed for divorce shortly before Cope filed her own papers. Rider allegedly claimed in his divorce filings that he had discovered Alves' alleged affair with Lawrence in March.

Joey Lawrence Denies Affair with Co-Star Amid Divorce Proceedings

9. **Restraining Order:** Alves mentioned that she had obtained a temporary restraining order against Rider, but that he had violated the order. She reported the violation to the police, who allegedly contacted news outlets about the situation after she did so.

10. **Sources Contesting Lawrence's Denial:** Despite Lawrence and Alves' denials, sources close to the situation have claimed that Lawrence pursued Alves even after Cope discovered their interactions. They allege that he deceived his marriage counselor and prepared for dates with Alves while Cope was emotionally distressed.

11. **Fox News Digital Contribution:** The article acknowledges the contributions of Stephanie Giang-Puanon, Larry Fink, and Elizabeth Stanton from Fox News Digital to the reporting on this developing story.