‘Why do I have to be like everyone else?’
Modern Family’s Ariel Winter admits she no longer cares what people think of her body
She may still be S in her teens, but American actress Ariel Winter is brimming with self-confidence – though it hasn’t been an easy journey.
The 19-year-old star has been plagued by trolls over the years, who have cruelly mocked her figure – while Ariel has made a name for herself by spreading body-positive messages.
But as she promoted the new series of the US sitcom, Ariel – who’s played geeky Alex Dunphy since she was 11 years old – was almost unrecognisable in a series of revealing outfits, looking cool and confident.
However, she came under fire from haters who slated her for dressing up in a sexy outfit at the sitcom’s new-season premiere, while the rest of the cast appeared more casual.
Responding on Instagram last week, Ariel hit back, writing: “Why TF does anyone care that I didn’t dress casual like everyone else? Why do I have to be like everyone else? Why can’t people just let other people feel good about themselves and do what they want? As long as you feel good about yourself that’s what matters. I know I did.”
BODY ACCEPTANCE
Ariel has credited her co-star Sofia Vergara with helping her build up her body confidence.
“I had a great role model in Sofia growing up, with her being a curvy woman who was super proud of who she was and what she looks like,” Ariel explained.
Another body issue the actress has overcome is her natural F-cup boobs, which she admitted had damaged her confidence and caused her a lot of pain.
Petite Ariel – who’s 5ft 1 – had a breast reduction two years ago when she was 17, taking her down to a 34D and leaving her feeling “like a new person.”
She proudly showed off the scars from the procedure in a revealing dress at the Screen Actors Guild awards the following year. Afterwards, she triumphantly answered critics with: “Guys, there is a reason I didn’t want to make an effort to cover up my scars! They are a part of me and I’m not ashamed of them at all.”
ABUSE ALLEGATIONS
The star has also had a difficult home life. She “divorced” her mum, Chrisoula “Chrystal” Workman, in 2012, and her older sister Shanelle, then 32, became her legal guardian. Ariel has claimed her mum was emotionally and physically abusive. “She and I don’t speak,” admitted Ariel last year. “And that’s fine. I’m in such a happy place now, and in such a better place surrounded by people who love me and really support me. That’s all I need.”
❛as long as you feel good about yourself that’s What matters❜