Ariel Winter, known for her role as Alex Dunphy in the beloved ABC sitcom “Modern Family,” recently opened up about the complexities of celebrity life. In an interview with People, she shared her experiences with the media’s harsh scrutiny during her formative years.

The Impact of Media Scrutiny

During the early seasons of “Modern Family,” Winter faced intense criticism regarding her appearance, particularly as she started on the show at the age of 14. “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,” she recalled. “It totally damaged my self-esteem,” she reflected on the challenges she faced at such a young age.

Winter noted that the relentless examination of her appearance made it difficult for her to maintain a positive self-image. “No matter what I was going through, I was a target,” she added. “It made it very difficult to look at myself in the mirror and go, ‘I love this version of me.’”

Moving Forward

Following the conclusion of “Modern Family” in 2020, Winter made a significant life change by relocating from Los Angeles with her boyfriend. However, she clarified that this shift did not signify her exit from the entertainment industry.

Advocacy and Personal Growth

In addition to her acting pursuits, Winter is actively involved in advocacy work with SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse), which focuses on protecting young individuals from online predators. She emphasized the importance of her mission, stating, “Technically, yes, I’m a survivor. I’ve gone through some shit, 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.”