Joey Lawrence is denying the allegations that he had an affair with co-star Melina Alves while still married to wife Samantha Cope.
The 48-year-old Blossom actor took to his Instagram account to release a statement that responded to the affair rumors and also explained what led to the demise of his marriage.
The affair rumors surfaced days after Samantha filed for divorce from Joey after just two years of marriage.
So, what is he saying?
Keep reading to find out more…
“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 in the statement.
Joey continued, “Melina and I became close friends and I did not have a physical relationship with her while filming the movie Socked in for Christmas. 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. I was clinging to 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,” he said. “As a father, my three daughters are my world. They are, and always will be, my top priority. The unraveling of my marriage was tied to my realization that there is no way my two eldest daughters were ever going to be accepted by my wife to be part of my family. 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.”
Joey concluded, “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 well-being of my children is of the utmost importance. Thank you for your understanding and respect as I navigate this difficult chapter in my families life.”
Melina has also released a statement in which she denied the affair.