Former Child Star Ariel Winter Reveals Trauma from Online Predators
Ariel Winter, best known for her role as Alex Dunphy in the hit sitcom Modern Family, has publicly disclosed experiencing significant trauma as a minor due to inappropriate online interactions with older men. This revelation comes as Winter promotes her involvement in a docuseries where she actively participates in sting operations targeting alleged online sexual predators.
Years of Online Abuse and its Impact
Winter, now 27, detailed in a July 10, 2025 interview the lasting effects of receiving "inappropriate messages from older men" while using a laptop and cellphone as a child. These experiences, both online and in-person, she stated, have deeply impacted her mental health, necessitating therapy. She described aspects of the entertainment industry as "a dark place" that exposed her to predators during her childhood.
A Long History of Public Scrutiny
Winter's acting career began at the age of four, with her Modern Family role starting at age 11, a position she held for the show's entire 11-season run (2009-2020). Throughout her teenage years, she faced intense public scrutiny, including body shaming and online bullying, often centered around her appearance and weight fluctuations. She has openly discussed the negative impact of this criticism, particularly in relation to medication-induced weight gain and subsequent criticism when she lost weight.
Emancipation and a Move for a Fresh Start
At age 17, Winter legally emancipated herself following a legal battle involving allegations of abuse against her mother, allegations the mother has denied. Her older sister, Shanelle Gray, became her legal guardian. In April 2020, after Modern Family concluded, Winter relocated from Los Angeles with her boyfriend, Luke Benward, citing the city's association with negative memories and a desire for a more normal life. She clarified that this move did not signal her departure from acting, but rather from the city itself.
Fighting Back: Winter's Work with SOSA
Winter’s advocacy extends beyond personal disclosure. For years, she has collaborated with SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse), participating in undercover sting operations. These operations involve women posing as young decoys to lure and assist law enforcement in apprehending alleged sexual predators. Winter describes this work as "cathartic" but also acknowledges its triggering nature due to her own past experiences.
Public Response and Broader Implications
Winter’s disclosures have sparked widespread discussion about child exploitation and inappropriate behavior within the entertainment industry and online. Her proactive role with SOSA has garnered significant praise for its bravery and advocacy, though the emotional toll of such work is undeniable. While largely met with support and empathy, some online commentary displays a dismissive or cynical attitude towards the experiences of child actors, often minimizing their trauma due to their perceived wealth and fame. The revelations are expected to further fuel conversations about protecting child actors and mitigating the negative impacts of social media and online interactions on minors.
Support System and Personal Reflections
Winter's boyfriend, Luke Benward, has been a source of support, encouraging her connection with SOSA. She has openly stated that her experiences "affected me so deeply that I've had to go to therapy for it," and described the body shaming she endured as "totally damaging my self-esteem." Regarding her work with SOSA, Winter highlighted the deeply personal connection, stating that the work is "nerve-racking" and can be triggering, yet it is impactful because she identifies with the children being targeted.
