14 DAY TRIAL // Ariel Winter, perhaps one of the most promising young actresses now working in television, has been removed from her parents’ home after several abuse allegations, it has emerged.
The 14-year-old star plays Alex Dunphy on “Modern Family” and is now going through personal issues after a judge ruled she was to live separately from her parents after suffering physical and mental abuse at her mother’s hands.
TMZ reports that the procedure was initiated early last month, with a new court date being set for November 20, when a judge will make a decision.
“Court sources tell us on October 3, after a guardianship hearing, a judge determined the allegations that Ariel was being physically and emotionally abused by her mother Crystal Workman were serious enough that the judge placed Ariel in a temporary guardianship with her older sister Shanelle Workman,” TMZ reports.
Also then, a restraining order was issued in Crystal’s name, barring her from coming anywhere closer than 100 yards (91.44 meters) to her daughter.
“Ironically, we've learned Shanelle suffered the same alleged abuse as Ariel. Nearly two decades ago, the Department of Children and Family Services removed her from Crystal's home based on similar abuse allegations,” TMZ writes.
“Law enforcement sources tell us D.C.F.S. placed Shanelle in foster care for more than 2 years. She never went back to her mother,” adds the same report.
The publication also notes that there are several rumors about the real reason for which Ariel has moved out of her parents’ home and, consequently, out of her mother’s reach, but none of that is true.
For instance, TMZ points out, there’s a rumor saying she’s seeking legal emancipation and has moved out of the parental home so she can be with her boyfriend. The real reason is more serious than that.
An official statement from Ariel or her publicist on the latest reports is still pending.