Ariel Winter Says She Was Body Shamed While Working on ‘Modern Family’

Ariel Winter Reflects on the Challenges of Fame During Her Time on “Modern Family”

Ariel Winter, best known for her role as Alex Dunphy on the hit ABC sitcom “Modern Family,” recently opened up about the struggles she faced while in the spotlight. In a candid conversation with People magazine, Winter revealed that the media’s harsh criticism of her physical appearance took a toll on her self-esteem, especially during her teenage years.

During her 11 seasons on “Modern Family,” Winter was subjected to relentless scrutiny and negative comments about her body and looks. Despite being just 14 years old when the show started, she was not immune to the harsh judgment of the public. “It was every headline I read about myself, like, grown people writing articles about me saying how I looked terrible or pregnant or like a fat slut. I mean, I was 14,” Winter shared. “It totally damaged my self-esteem.”

The constant scrutiny and criticism made it difficult for Winter to see herself in a positive light. “No matter what I was going through, I was a target,” she explained. “It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, ‘I love this version of me.'”

After “Modern Family” concluded in 2020, Winter made the decision to leave Los Angeles with her boyfriend. However, she clarified that she did not leave the entertainment industry altogether. In addition to her acting pursuits, Winter is also involved with SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse), an advocacy group dedicated to protecting young people from online predators.

Reflecting on her experiences, Winter emphasized that while she has faced challenges, she prefers not to be labeled as a “survivor.” “Technically, yes, I’m a survivor. I’ve gone through some shit,” she said. “But a lot of people have gone through some shit. Calling me a survivor takes away from what I’m here for, which is to help others and shine a spotlight on those that need it.”

Winter’s story serves as a reminder of the dark side of fame and the impact it can have on individuals, especially young stars navigating the pressures of Hollywood. Despite the challenges she has faced, Winter remains committed to using her platform to advocate for others and make a positive impact in the world.