Joey Lawrence’s estranged wife Samantha Cope breaks silence on divorce amid actor’s affair allegations

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: Samantha Cope, Joey Lawrence's estranged wife, opened up about their divorce in an emotional Instagram video posted on August 24.

The 37-year-old mother-of-one officially filed for divorce from the 'Melissa & Joey' star on August 13, citing "irreconcilable differences" after two years of marriage, listing their separation date as June 7, 2024.

Samantha Cope’s emotional post amid divorce drama

As the divorce proceedings continue, Joey Lawrence is accused of having an affair with actress Melina Alves during his marriage to Samantha Cope. Reports suggest that Lawrence allegedly "love-bombed" Alves, leaving Cope devastated and in tears.

In a poignant caption alongside a video montage, Samantha shared, "An amazing friend of mine recently told me, don't be afraid of the tears. Let them flow," as per Daily Mail.

She added, "Because every tear is God gently squeezing the pain and devastation from your heart to make room for new, beautiful feelings to come in. She also reminded me: the more you cry, the less you pee. So let them flow. You got this."

 

Cope's heartfelt video montage on Instagram featured tender moments with her one-year-old daughter, Dylan Rose, whom she shares with Joey Lawrence.

The post included a variety of clips, capturing Samantha spending quality time with her little girl. Among the snippets, Samantha is seen shedding tears while sitting outside and inside a vehicle with her daughter by her side.

The reel then shifts to a brighter moment, showing Samantha flashing a big smile as she twirls around with Dylan in her arms inside a spacious bedroom.

The video concludes with Samantha standing next to a horse, surrounded by a scenic landscape, as well as other sweet moments shared with her daughter, highlighting the love and strength she’s finding during this challenging time.

As the video played, a heartfelt voiceover echoed words of encouragement: "Look at you, look how far you've come. You've faced your trauma, and you came out on the other side. And I’m sorry to get a little emotional, but there were moments when I was really worried about you, miss girl. But look at you today. I am so proud of you. You’re a survivor, baby."

This touching moment comes just days after it was revealed that Samantha filed for divorce from Joey Lawrence on August 13.

In her filing, she requested that neither she nor her estranged husband receive spousal support.

Samantha Cope seeks full custody of daughter amid Joey Larence's affair rumors

Citing "irreconcilable differences," Samantha Cope has requested full custody of their daughter, Dylan.

In documents obtained by Us Weekly, Cope mentioned that she would allow Joey to have Dylan for two nights a week once she turns three. However, she emphasized that extended visits would only be considered when Dylan is "older and can consent to such visits."

Shortly after the divorce filing, rumors surfaced accusing Joey Lawrence of having an affair with his co-star, Melina Alves. The two are set to appear together in the upcoming film 'Socked In For Christmas.'

According to documents obtained by TMZ, Melina's estranged husband, Edward Rider—who filed for divorce in July—claimed he discovered the affair earlier this year in March. Rider alleged that the affair took place in California, as well as "at various other times and places."

A source recently told People that Joey "love-bombed" Melina, a pattern of behavior he reportedly also displayed with Samantha.

"Joey met Melina Alves on the set of their movie, where she was a producer," the insider shared. Melina, who also wrote the film, takes on the role of Addy in the upcoming holiday flick.

"He then love-bombed her, just as he did with Samantha," the insider revealed, adding that Joey continued to date Melina even after Samantha discovered the affair and confronted him.

The source shared that Samantha had wanted to try marriage counseling, but Joey "fooled their counselor" while still getting ready for dates with Melina, leaving Samantha devastated and in tears.

Samantha Cope hints at new beginnings after split from Joey Lawrence

Just days after their official separation date, on June 11, Samantha Cope posted a cryptic message on Instagram, possibly hinting at the split.

Alongside photos of herself with her daughter, Dylan, she included a powerful quote from Brianna Wiest:

"Not everything you lose is a loss. Some things are freedom. Some things are a second chance. Some things are a miracle in disguise."

The quote continued, "Some things are a detachment long-needed, a clarity brought to blurry eyes. Some things are an intervention. Some things are an unexpected answer to a long-chanted prayer."

Wiest's words also reflected, "Some things are healing. Some things are becoming. Some things are planned long before you ever came to be. Some things are a devastation, but others are a kind of virtual guidance, the kind of course-correction you did not even know you needed. The kind you did not even realize you were asking for all along."

Cope and Lawrence first met in 2020 on the set of the Lifetime movie 'My Husband's Secret Brother.'

The former couple got engaged in 2021 and exchanged vows the following year in a California ceremony. In January of 2023, they welcomed their daughter, Dylan Rose.

This wasn't Lawrence's first trip down the aisle. The 'Blossom' actor was previously married to Michelle Vella from 2002 to 2005. He later wed Chandie Yawn-Nelson in 2005, with their divorce finalizing in 2022. Joey and Chandie share two daughters, Charleston, 18, and Liberty, 14.