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Scott Wolf says his estranged wife Kelley told him she's making false claims about him to beat him in court and in the court of public opinion.

The "Party of Five" star spoke out against his wife Friday in a statement to PEOPLE ... saying the 'Real World' star is trying to use bogus abuse claims against him as a way to "gain an advantage." Getty

The estranged couple is going through a nasty divorce after two decades of marriage and three kids together.

Scott told the outlet ... "My continued hope is to have this most difficult chapter of our family's lives remain as private as possible, however, the well being of my children is at stake, and that will always be my priority." Play video content

He continues ... "There are some significant challenges that

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