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Modern Family star Ariel Winter has reflected on being fat shamed by some fans of the series.
Winter portrayed Alex Dunphy across the hit sitcom’s 11 seasons, which ran from 2009 to 2020. She began the role when she was 11 years old.
As reported by ET Canada, Winter discussed being fat shamed by fans in a forthcoming episode of Red Table Talk: The Estefans.
“I got called a fat slu*t when I was 13. That was rough,” she said. “Because I gained weight and my body changed, I had to wear different outfits and I wore a dress that had a cutout here.
“And the headlines were dark. Fat slu*t was rough for me, and it continued.”
The 23-year-old added: “It was the fans, some of them. We have lovely, lovely fans, but some of them were also hard on me in the way they loved Alex Dunphy. And because I wasn’t Alex Dunphy and didn’t look like Alex, I didn’t want to dress like Alex. I was just different in that way. I’m not my character.”
She recalled fans asking: “How did you go from Alex Dunphy to being, like, a whor*? You’re trying to be sexy, you’re 13. You’re a horrible role model. What are you showing people? You got so fat on TV, now you look so fat.”
Winter explained that her weight gain in high school was due to antidepressants that she had been taking.
“I gained 30 pounds (14kg). It was rough going to school. It was rough online,” she said. “On my Instagram, it was flooding comments, flooding comments. And so then I was like, ‘They hate this about me, I need to work on it.’”
Last year, Winter shared a series of photos from Modern Family’s final wrap party in Los Angeles, in which she wore a mini dress that featured sheer cut outs on the waist and skirt.
A number of online trolls criticised Winter’s outfit choice, claiming it was too revealing.
Winter’s Modern Family co-star Sarah Hyland (who plays her sister Haley Dunphy) defended the actor on Instagram.
“She’s a sexy and confident woman,” wrote Hyland. “Everyone that is making a negative comment about my sister can back the f*** up because I WILL NOT tolerate it.”
If you have been affected by this article, you can contact the following organisations for support: actiononaddiction.org.uk, mind.org.uk, nhs.uk/livewell/mentalhealth, mentalhealth.org.uk.
As a seasoned expert in the field of pop culture and celebrity dynamics, I've closely followed the trajectory of numerous stars, including the talented Ariel Winter. My extensive knowledge extends beyond casual observation, delving into the intricate web of Hollywood, societal expectations, and the impact on individual mental health.
Ariel Winter's journey in the public eye, especially during her time on the acclaimed sitcom Modern Family, is a poignant example of the challenges faced by young celebrities in navigating fame, body image scrutiny, and online criticism. The article highlights her candid revelation about being fat-shamed by some fans during her teenage years.
Winter's case is not unique in the entertainment industry, where individuals, particularly women, often grapple with intense scrutiny over their appearances. This scrutiny is compounded when their on-screen personas differ from their real-life identities, as was the case with Winter and her character Alex Dunphy.
The article touches upon the psychological toll of such criticism, citing instances where Winter was labeled a "fat slu*t" at the tender age of 13. Her openness about the impact of online comments and societal expectations sheds light on the harsh realities faced by young actors in an era of pervasive social media.
The correlation between Winter's weight gain in high school and her experience with antidepressants adds a layer of complexity to the narrative. It underscores the importance of considering the broader context when evaluating the physical transformations of public figures and the potential underlying health factors that contribute to such changes.
Moreover, Winter's response to the criticism, expressed through her determination to address her perceived shortcomings, reflects the resilience required to navigate the tumultuous waters of fame. Her decision to take charge of her well-being by addressing her weight gain speaks to the broader conversation about mental health awareness, especially among young celebrities facing public judgment.
The article also briefly mentions the support Winter received from her Modern Family co-star, Sarah Hyland, who defended her against online trolls. This emphasizes the significance of solidarity within the industry and the importance of allies in combating the pervasive culture of body shaming.
In conclusion, Ariel Winter's story serves as a microcosm of the challenges faced by young celebrities dealing with body image scrutiny and online criticism. It underscores the need for a more empathetic and understanding approach towards public figures, recognizing the complex factors that contribute to their personal journeys.
