Alisha Wainwright’s Dad Defends Her Amid Justin Timberlake Affair Rumors: It’s ‘Work, That Is All’

Showing support! Alisha Wainwright‘s father, Jeff Wainwright, spoke out about the swirling romance rumors involving his daughter and Justin Timberlake. Shortly after the Palmer costars were spotted holding hands in New Orleans last week, Jeff defended the actress during a new interview, claiming it’s “just work, that’s all.”

“They are working on a movie together,” Jeff told the DailyMail on Wednesday, November 27. “I did not make anything of it, really. I am a music producer, so I am used to all the hoopla. This is the business we are in. This is how it goes.”

“I cannot be telling you whether or not she is in a relationship or things like that,” he added. Jeff also addressed how she is a “free spirit,” who is just “living her life and [is] doing what she has gotta do.”

“She has always been a big traveler and open-minded,” he continued. “Even if there is something (going on) I would not know. When you are in show business, you separate family from the business. When you are at home with your family, you talk about other things. You don’t talk about this crazy stuff.”

There’s been no shortage of controversy surrounding the “Cry Me a River” singer, 38, and Alisha, 30, ever since they were photographed enjoying a night out together at The Absinthe House on Bourbon Street on November 21. Even though some people felt they looked a little too cozy that evening, it was reported the two are just friends collaborating on a project.

Alisha’s rep even shut down theories about a possible affair. “There is no validity to this speculation. They are working on a project together,” she told Us Weekly in response.

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The former ’NSync star has been married to Jessica Biel since 2012 and they share a 4-year-old son, Silas, together.

Justin has already returned to work on the film after the release of the photos and his wife, Jessica, has also been spotted out wearing her wedding ring recently, but it looks like the incident has taken a toll on her.

“She’s an extremely private person who hates being gossiped about,” an insider exclusively revealed to In Touch about her reaction to the ordeal. “Just because she’s wearing it doesn’t mean she’s not mad.”