Though he hasn't spoken to his daughter since the romance rumors surfaced, music producer Jeff Wainwright believes the hookup rumors are nothing but 'speculation.'

• Nov 28, 2019

AceShowbiz - Alisha Wainwright's father Jeff Wainwright has spoken up after pictures surfaced of his daughter getting cozy with married man Justin Timberlake in New Orleans. Talking to Daily Mail, Jeff defended the 30-year-old actress, believing that the press sensationalized the two "Palmer" co-stars' interaction that night.

"She is in New Orleans doing some work, that is all. They are working on a movie together," Jeff said of his daughter's relationship with Justin. Playing down the cheating allegations, the music producer claimed, "I have seen it all over the news. 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 continued weighing in, before adding of his daughter. "She is a young lady, 30-years-old, she is living her life and doing what she has gotta do. She has always been a big traveler and open-minded. She is a free spirit - we all are in this family."

Suggesting that the swirling romance rumors didn't matter to his family, Jeff said, "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."

Justin and Alisha were caught getting a little too close to each other on Thursday night while having drinks at a bar. She was seen resting her hand on the former NSYNC member's knee, while the "Say Something" singer was seen holding the 30-year-old actress' hand on his knee in another photo.

A rep for Alisha later responded to the hookup speculation, "There is no validity to this speculation. They are currently working on a project together. Members of the cast and crew were all together."

Meanwhile, a source told E! News, "They were out with all the cast, crew, makeup artists and everyone was just hanging out in a social setting. They are just working together. No validity to any other rumor other than that they are filming together."

Of Justin's relationship with Jessica after the incident, another source said, "Their marriage will survive. He feels guilty and will make it up to her. She is very good to him and he knows how lucky he is. He says it was not a big deal, they were all hanging out together and that's the end of the story."

Jessica still had her wedding ring on when she's pictured stepping out in Los Angeles on Monday, days after the hookup rumors.