'Modern Family' star removed from mom’s home

By HLNtv.com Staff

updated 3:45 PM EST, Thu November 08, 2012

NEED TO KNOW

Ariel Winter was removed from her mother’s home after reports of abuse
People magazine: Winter’s mom has denied the accusations

Ariel Winter is known for her role as studious, down-to-earth Alex Dunphy on ABC’s "Modern Family," but it sounds like the 14-year-old is going through a tough time with her real family.

According to court documents obtained by HLN, Winter’s mother, Chrisoula Workman, is accused of physical and verbal abuse, along with depriving Winter of food. Workman denied these allegations in a statement to People magazine. "I have my doctor's letter that my daughter's never been abused. … I have stylists' letters that she's never been abused," Workman tells People.

Last month, a judge granted Shanelle Gray, Winter’s adult sister, temporary guardianship. Gray is now looking to become her permanent guardian. Gray released a statement to HLN through her attorney, saying, “It’s most unfortunate that the matter has become an interest of the press. Ariel’s best interest is what we’re concerned about, and that’s what we’ll work for in future court proceedings.”

Winter’s mom is ordered to stay away from her daughter until the guardianship hearing on November 20. HLN has reached out to Workman for a statement and have not heard back.

A rep for ABC’s “Modern Family” has declined to comment.

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