Ariel Winter, star of ABC's hit sitcom "Modern Family," opened up about her own personal family struggles that led to her emancipation from her mother when she was 17 years old. The actress stopped by "The Ellen DeGeneres Show" and seemed poised and wise beyond her years as she discussed her legal battle with her mother.
Winter, now 18, announced her emancipation from her mother Chrisoula Workman last spring after she allegedly endured years of emotional and physical abuse. She explained the legal battle began when she was 14 years old and her older sister, 37-year-old actress Shanelle Gray, filed for custody. The case went on until Winter turned 17 and courts granted Gray temporary and then permanent custody of the teen. Gray then went through the process to legally emancipate Winter.
The "Sofia the First" star revealed that her sister had been a major source of support for her throughout her rough teenage years.
"She's been the best part of my life," the actress told DeGeneres. "She really is my best friend. She is the most important thing to me. She's been there for me through absolutely everything and I just love her so much. I count on her more than anything."
Winter confirmed that neither she nor her sister have had any contact with Workman since the legal issues, and she said although it's been hard for her to grow up in show business without a supportive mother, she's in a much better place now.
"It has been very sad for me, but at the same time it's been much better for me emotionally and physically to be on my own and have a better, safer household and support system," the teen said. "I don't really talk about the reason I don't speak to my mother. It's kind of been publicized, but the reason I don't really share that is I want to give her the same respect that she didn't give to me publicly."
Winter referenced her mother's 2013 appearance on "Dr. Phil" where she attempted to tell her side of the story. During th television show, Workman denied allegations of abuse and slammed her oldest daughter Gray, accusing her of seeking custody of Winter just for monetary gain.
"Well, you know it just really didn't try and fix anything with me," Winter said of her mother's TV interview. "It just tried to make herself look better and I 'm not interested in doing that. People can make their own judgments. I did what I had to do for myself."
Watch Winter's full interview below.
