Joey Lawrence has addressed his divorce from Samantha Cope and denied rumors of an affair with his co-star. The "Blossom" star admitted there was "pain" in their marriage, but puts his children first.
In the wake of his divorce filing, Joey Lawrence has spoken out about the rumors and allegations surrounding his marriage and personal life. On the "Brotherly Love" podcast, the actor expressed his sadness and concern for his children amidst the public scrutiny.
Lawrence began by acknowledging the speculation surrounding his divorce. "There's a lot of speculation... it's out there," he said. "What was a private journey for my family... has now unfortunately been made public... that makes me very sad for my children."
Joey Lawrence Breaks Silence on Divorce and Affair Allegations
The "Blossom" star went on to address the accusations of an affair with his co-star Melina Alves. "First and foremost, I want to clarify that there was no sexual relationship between Joey and myself while we were on set filming 'Socked in for Christmas,'" Alves wrote on Instagram, denying the allegations.
Lawrence echoed her denial, stating that the rumors were untrue. "What's going on right now, there's so many things that are just not true," he said.
Joey Lawrence Breaks Silence on Divorce and Affair Allegations
He admitted that the past few years in his marriage had been difficult. "There was a lot of pain involved in that journey despite what it looks like and what the public perception of it is...," Lawrence said. "This has been a multifaceted journey these last four... five years."
Despite the challenges, Lawrence emphasized that his children remain his top priority. "I try to protect my children at all costs, and what's been going on lately is just not okay," he stated. "I have always and will always be the best dad I possibly can be and I will take care of my girls until the day I die... I will cherish them and honor them... do my best by them."
Joey Lawrence Breaks Silence on Divorce and Affair Allegations
Lawrence concluded by expressing his hope for the future. "Life will move on and we will move through this. And my children will be at the forefront," he said. "I'm not perfect but I will do my best by them for sure."
In a statement to People magazine, Lawrence's ex-wife Samantha Cope addressed the rumors after Lawrence claimed they had a "deeply troubled marriage" and his daughters were not "accepted by" her. "As a mother who values her daughter above all else, I find these false accusations deeply troubling," Cope said.
Joey Lawrence Breaks Silence on Divorce and Affair Allegations
Cope emphasized her focus on healing and caring for their daughter. "I am confident that the truth is known to me, to Joey, and to God," she stated.
Lawrence has a total of three children. He shares two daughters, Charleston and Liberty, with his ex-wife Chandie Lawrence. He and Cope welcomed their daughter Dylan in January 2023.
Joey Lawrence Breaks Silence on Divorce and Affair Allegations
According to the divorce filing, Cope is seeking full physical custody of their one-year-old daughter while permitting Lawrence visitation at her discretion. She has also requested to block the court's ability to award either side spousal support.
The divorce proceedings are ongoing, and the outcome remains to be determined.
