The Truth About Melyssa Ford's 'Chicago P.D.' Boyfriend: 5 Shocking Revelations From The Joe Budden Podcast Drama

The curiosity surrounding Melyssa Ford’s private life reached a fever pitch when details of her relationship with a major star from the hit NBC drama *Chicago P.D.* became a central, and highly dramatic, topic of discussion. While the former video vixen and media personality is reportedly single as of late 2024, her recent past includes a high-profile, yet intensely private, romance with an actor known globally for his role on the Dick Wolf procedural universe. The relationship was not only confirmed but also became the subject of controversy and debate, primarily fueled by the co-hosts of *The Joe Budden Podcast* (JBP).

The man at the center of this whirlwind is none other than LaRoyce Hawkins, who has captivated audiences for over a decade as Officer Kevin Atwater on *Chicago P.D.* The drama surrounding their dating life spilled into the public sphere, leading to heated discussions and even accusations of Melyssa Ford being "exposed" for allegedly misrepresenting details of the romance. This article breaks down the identity of the man behind Officer Atwater, his extensive biography, and the full story behind the Joe Budden Podcast controversy that brought their private affairs into the spotlight.

LaRoyce Hawkins: The Chicago P.D. Star Behind Officer Kevin Atwater

LaRoyce Hawkins is a multi-talented American actor, poet, and musician who has become a household name thanks to his long-running role in the *One Chicago* franchise. His portrayal of Officer Kevin Atwater has been lauded for its depth, tackling complex issues of race and policing within the fictional 21st District Intelligence Unit. Before the spotlight of television, Hawkins honed his craft on the stage and in his local community.

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LaRoyce Hawkins Biographical Profile

• Full Name: LaRoyce Hawkins
• Born: May 4, 1988
• Age (as of late 2024): 36
• Birthplace: Harvey, Illinois, U.S.
• Education: Illinois State University (studied Theatre)
• Occupation: Actor, Poet, Musician, Activist
• Known For: Officer Kevin Atwater on *Chicago P.D.* (since 2014)
• Other Notable Roles: Recurring role on HBO's *Ballers*
• Current Relationship Status: Reportedly single (maintains a private dating life)
• Activism: Founder of the purpose-driven apparel brand and initiative "Be Powerful"

Hawkins first originated the role of Kevin Atwater in the flagship show, *Chicago Fire*, before becoming a main cast member on the spin-off, *Chicago P.D.*. His character, Atwater, is known for his moral compass and complex narrative arcs, making him one of the most beloved figures in the Intelligence Unit alongside characters like Adam Ruzek and Hank Voight. The show, which is currently in its twelfth season, continues to be a major ratings success for NBC.

The Joe Budden Podcast Controversy: Melyssa Ford and the 'Exposed' Relationship

The relationship between Melyssa Ford and LaRoyce Hawkins was never a traditional, red-carpet-official romance. Instead, it was a subject of intense speculation and eventual public drama that played out on the airwaves of *The Joe Budden Podcast*. Melyssa Ford, a permanent co-host on the JBP for a significant period, often shared glimpses of her personal life, but the details of her relationship with the *Chicago P.D.* star became a flashpoint.

The controversy first bubbled up when the JBP crew, including Joe Budden, Ish, and QueenzFlip, began alluding to the identity of Melyssa’s boyfriend—a prominent Black actor on the NBC police drama. The name, eventually confirmed by fans and podcast discussions to be LaRoyce Hawkins, sparked immediate interest due to Hawkins' private nature and Ford's long history of high-profile romances with celebrities like Drake and Flo Rida.

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The real drama began when the JBP crew, particularly QueenzFlip, allegedly "exposed" Melyssa for what they claimed were inconsistencies or outright "lying" about the nature of her relationship with the actor. The details of the alleged misrepresentation were never fully confirmed by all parties, but the implication was that Melyssa Ford was not being entirely truthful about the status or exclusivity of her romance with the *Chicago P.D.* star. The on-air tension led to significant fan debate and became a viral moment for the podcast, further cementing the relationship’s status as a subject of intense public curiosity.

Melyssa Ford’s Recent Career and Why the Drama is Relevant

To understand the full context of the LaRoyce Hawkins relationship, it’s crucial to look at Melyssa Ford's career evolution. Transitioning from her iconic status as a video vixen in the 90s and 2000s, Melyssa Ford has successfully reinvented herself as a respected media personality and podcast host. For years, she was a central figure on *The Joe Budden Podcast*, known for her candid and often humorous takes on relationships and pop culture.

However, Melyssa’s tenure on the JBP became a source of news itself. In recent months, her appearances became infrequent, and by late 2024, the show had reportedly removed her name from the intro, leading to speculation about her departure. The very public discussion of her private life, especially the drama surrounding the *Chicago P.D.* actor, occurred during this transitional period, adding to the pressure and public scrutiny she faced.

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In a powerful move reflecting her continued growth, Melyssa Ford premiered her own new podcast on November 1, 2024, focusing on wellness and personal growth. This career shift highlights her commitment to moving forward, yet the intense public interest in her past high-profile relationships, particularly the one with LaRoyce Hawkins, remains a dominant search query for fans and media followers.

LaRoyce Hawkins’ Private Life: A Deliberate Choice for the Chicago P.D. Star

While the Joe Budden Podcast controversy thrust LaRoyce Hawkins into a public relationship narrative, the actor has consistently maintained a very private personal life. Unlike many of his celebrity peers, Hawkins is not currently married and rarely discusses his dating life in detail.

His focus remains on his craft, his poetry, and his community work. His character, Kevin Atwater, on *Chicago P.D.*, has his own complex relationship storylines, but in real life, Hawkins prefers to keep the spotlight on his professional achievements. This deliberate choice for privacy is likely what made the public revelation of his romance with Melyssa Ford so shocking and newsworthy to fans of both the actor and the podcast.

The relationship, regardless of its ultimate outcome or the public drama that surrounded it, was a significant moment for both Melyssa Ford and LaRoyce Hawkins. It connected two prominent figures from different corners of the entertainment world—the hip-hop and media sphere of New York and the major network television world of Chicago—creating a fleeting but unforgettable moment in celebrity gossip history.