Melina Alves Responds to Joey Lawrence Relationship Allegations

‘Our relationship was a meaningful friendship that developed naturally,’ the actress wrote of her relationship with her ‘Socked in for Christmas’ co-star.

Melina Alves is finally breaking her silence amid allegations that she had an affair with her Socked in for Christmas co-star Joey Lawrence. Just days after Lawrence’s estranged wife, Samantha Cope, filed for divorce, and following accusations from her estranged husband, Edward Rider, Alves took to social media on August 28 to set the record straight, firmly denying the rumors.

“It is with deep sadness and a heavy heart that I must address the recent allegations about the relationship between myself and Joey Lawrence, which have unfortunately become a public matter,” wrote Alves, 40, in a detailed Instagram post. “As a private person, it is deeply distressing to see such personal and sensitive issues being discussed so openly and inaccurately.”

The actress clarified that there was no sexual relationship between her and Lawrence while filming Socked in for Christmas, as Rider claimed in his divorce filings. She explained that their relationship was a meaningful friendship borne out of similar personal circumstances. “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,” she shared.

To provide context to these allegations, Alves stated that she and Rider have been estranged since January 2023, living in separate rooms during that time. She noted their marriage had been struggling for a while, making the separation necessary. Alves revealed she had to obtain a temporary restraining order against Rider to protect herself in a vulnerable time. It was after she went to the police to report Rider violating the restraining order that he allegedly contacted news outlets with claims of an affair between her and Lawrence.

Alves concluded her post by asking for understanding and respect for their privacy as they navigate these challenging times. “This is a deeply private matter that I never intended to become public, and I hope this clarification can help put an end to the speculation and allow both Joey and myself to move forward without further intrusion,” she pleaded.

The affair allegations surfaced just a day after Lawrence’s estranged wife filed for divorce, citing irreconcilable differences after two years of marriage. Samantha Cope requested sole physical custody of their 19-month-old daughter, Dylan.

Meanwhile, Rider filed for divorce several weeks earlier, alleging in the filings that he discovered in March Alves and Lawrence were having an affair. As of now, Lawrence has not addressed the affair rumors.

Source: TMZ