Modern Family star Ariel Winter's custody battle with her mother is over.
The 17 year old tweeted on Friday that she is officially emancipated. This comes three years after her mom was accused of physical and emotional abuse. Ariel was removed from mom, Chrisoula Workman's care and she moved in with her older sister Shanelle Gray, who was appointed her permanent guardian.
Ariel said in her twitter statement;
"I am now officially emancipated!!! I'm really lucky I have an amazing support system and lovely people in my life who have given me the support and guidance to have been given this wonderful opportunity."
Most importantly I want to thank @shanelle_gray and my father for their special support regarding this matter, I really couldn't have done it without them. Thank you to all of my family, friends, and fans who have supported me through all of my endeavors in life, and have encouraged me. Thank you for making my life so special! I can't wait to embark on my new adventures. [heart] xo
The actress has built on her relationship with her dad, Glenn Workman, who has financial guardianship over her until she turns 18 next January, since she left her mom's care at the age of 14. He saw her off to prom in April, she posted this pic to Instagram with the caption "Dad saw me off to 'prom! Love Him".
Earlier this month she paid tribute to her sister Shanelle on Mother's Day, captioning a picture of the two of them;
"I love you more than words can even describe and I'm so lucky to have you as my sister. You're an amazing mother, an amazing sister, and an amazing wife, among many other things, I'm so thankful for everything you've done for me and for everything you've helped me accomplish. Without your love and support I wouldn't have become the person I am today."
Ariel originally contacted The Department of Child and Family Services herself back in 2012 to report the abuse she was suffering at hands of her mother. She alleged physical and emotional abuse describing how she was "slapped, hit, pushed and endured vile name calling and deprivation of food for an extended period of time". Her mom vehemently denied the claims and set about trying to smear Ariel by saying she was having a 'teenage rebellion' after being caught in bed with her 18 year old boyfriend—something that wasn't proven and denied by all parties. Mommie dearest also laid into older daughter Shanelle (who she lost custody of 20 years previously) by saying she was only after Ariel's money.
