'Modern Family' star Sarah Hyland fires back at bullies about her weight: 'l'm not in control of what my body looks like' (2024)

The INSIDER Summary:

  • "Modern Family" star Sarah Hyland was accused of promoting anorexia after posting a photo to Instagram.
  • The actress told fans she's been dealing with ongoing health issues.
  • Hyland said she's "basically been on bed rest" for the past few months and has lost muscle mass.
  • She has been on the medication prednisone, which Hyland says has caused swelling in her face.
  • Hyland assures her fans she'll be okay because she's "strong" and will not let negative comments hurt her confidence.


"Modern Family" actress Sarah Hylandis speaking out after getting bullied online with questions about her health and fluctuatingweight.

The 26-year-old star posted a photo to Instagram promoting a clothing line by her boyfriend, "Shadowhunters" actor, Dominic Sherwood. A portion of theproceeds go toward the Anti-Bullying Alliance.

The photo shows a slim Hyland wearing nothing but one of the T-shirts.

Some commenters were quick to notice that the slender star looked smaller than usual. Instead of fans discussing the clothing line, Hylandfound herself getting bullied by commenters accusing her of promoting anorexia or getting injections. The comments have been deleted and replaced with an influx of supportive messages from fans.

@therealsarahhyland/Instagram

Hylandtook to Twitter late Wednesday afternoon to speak out and tell fans in a series of messages that she's been having a difficult year and has been facingseveral ongoing health issues.

In the messages, she said she doesn't want to talk much about what has been going on lately,but that she's been undergoing physical changes which have been affecting her weight.

"I've basically been on bed rest for the past few months, I've lost a lot of muscle mass," wrote Hyland. "My circ*mstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like. So I strive to be as healthy as possible, as everyone should."

In an eight-part messageshared on Twitter, Hyland shared that she's been told she can't work out at the moment and that she's tired of being told that she needs to eat more, becauseshe loves to eat.

—Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) May 24, 2017
—Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) May 24, 2017

Hyland said she decided to share her story because people were accusing her of promoting anorexia in a post that was meant to promote anti-bullying.

"I want young girls to know that that's NOT my intention. I posted a picture of my boyfriend's apparel line, in which part of the proceeds go to the anti-bully alliance, and in return am bullied," she wrote.

In January, Hyland didn't attend the Screen Actors Guild awards due to health reasons.

The "Modern Family" actress said on Twitterthat she has recently beentaking the medication prednisone,a steroid used to reduce inflammation and that isused to treat a wide range of ailments from allergies and asthma to lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Hyland has been battling kidney dysplasia since she was a child, and, in 2012 underwent a kidney transplant. She previously told "Good Morning America" it caused her "a lot of pain," even when on set. If she didn't get 12 hours of sleep, "it felt like none at all."

The actress tells her fans that she's staying positive, though, and that she's not going to let negativity bother her.

gotpap/STAR MAX/IPx via AP

"I don't mind when you say that I look pregnant. Or fat. Because I know that my face is swollen from medication that is saving my life. For those on prednisone I know what you're going through and I commend you sticking it out as I have. My self confidence is not rendered from your comments," Hyland wrote.

"Love the you you set out to be. Be the best version of yourself. Be healthy," she added. "I got to where I am because I am STRONG and didn't give up. I am grateful for the life I live and you should be too. Don't let other's comments alter any part of you! Love and positivity is what we need most."

Here is her message in full:

"I'd like to address something that has not only been brought up on Twitter but has been HEAVILY discussed by all of you in my Instagram comments. That something is my weight. I normally don't comment on things like this because it draws attention to those trying to spread negativity but I'm here to explain a few things and spread love. Here goes..

I haven't had the greatest year. Maybe one day I'll talk about it but for now, I'd like my privacy. I will say that this year has brought a lot of changes and with that, physical changes. I have been told that I can't work out. Which, for me, is very upsetting. I am an activist for activity (and for eating junk food in bed but it's all about balance right?).

I love to be outdoors. I love to be STRONG. (I'll be using that word a lot) Strength is everything. Being strong has gotten me where I am. Both mentally and physically. I am not a fan of "being skinny". Which many of you have told me that I am too much of. "Eat a burger" "your head is bigger than your body and that's disgusting" And you're right! Cause they're f---ing delicious! But guess what. I do :) And again, you're right. No one's head should be bigger than their body but considering I've basically been on bed rest for the past few months, I've lost a lot of muscle mass. My circ*mstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like. So I strive to be as healthy as possible, as everyone should.

Oh and no that's not Photoshop. Those are my legs. Those are my arms. I write this because I've been accused of promoting anorexia in, ironically enough, an anti bullying post. And I want young girls to know that that's NOT my intention. I posted a picture of my boyfriend's apparel line, in which part of the proceeds go to the anti-bully alliance, and in return am bullied. Which made me laugh but then it dawned on me that young girls are reading posts that are saying that I'm promoting anorexia due to my weight.

While these comments don't affect me, they may affect others. So I'm here to say that no one should aim to be the weight that I am at right now. I am working hard to maintain my weight by eating as much protein as possible and continue to be STRONG and healthy. There's no need to worry! I've been down before and I'll probably be down again in my lifetime but I'm steadfast and solid and will conquer my obstacles.

Since I'm here... You may wonder. Am I bothered by my appearance right now? Well it's never fun to look in the mirror and see your hard work at the gym fade away or have your legs be the size of one's arms. But I know that when I get clearance I will be able to get back to the STRONG, lean, and fabulous self I know I can be.

You all will probably have something to say about that as well but it doesn't affect me. I don't mind when you say that I look pregnant. Or fat. Because I know that my face is swollen from medication that is saving my life. For those on prednisone I know what you're going through and I commend you sticking it out as I have. My self confidence is not rendered from your comments. Because I will always be too fat. I will always be too skinny. I will never have enough curves to be called a woman. And I will always be a slu*t for wearing a push up bra.

Love the you you set out to be. Be the best version of yourself. Be healthy. I'm a 26 year old woman who goes through more than you could even imagine on a daily basis. But I work hard. I love hard. And I got to where I am because I am STRONG and didn't give up. I am grateful for the life I live and you should be too. Don't let other's comments alter any part of you! Love and positivity is what we need most. Especially at a time like this. The world may be falling apart but it's up to us to pull it back together. Smile. Laugh. Love. Be happy. Support your peers. Love. Work hard. Be confident. Love. Adopt puppies! Tell your mum you appreciate her. LOVE. LOVE. LOVE."

'Modern Family' star Sarah Hyland fires back at bullies about her weight: 'l'm not in control of what my body looks like' (2024)

FAQs

'Modern Family' star Sarah Hyland fires back at bullies about her weight: 'l'm not in control of what my body looks like'? ›

I do And again, you're right. No one's head should be bigger than their body but considering I've basically been on bed rest for the past few months, I've lost a lot of muscle mass. My circ*mstances have put me in a place where I'm not in control of what my body looks like."

What happened to Sarah Hylands face in Season 8 of Modern Family? ›

Sarah's Cheeks Used To Be Fuller Because of Her Medicine

On Modern Family season 8, viewers of the show noticed that Sarah's face appeared more swollen than usual, leading many to believe she had some work done. The actress later revealed that the change in her appearance was actually due to health complications.

What illness does Sarah from Modern Family have? ›

Hyland was born with kidney dysplasia, a condition in which the kidneys don't fully develop in the womb. She had two transplants: First when she was 21 with her father's kidney. After her body rejected it, she quietly had a second transplant, at age 26, with her younger brother's kidney.

Did Sarah Hyland put on weight? ›

Sarah Hyland is "very proud" of her weight gain. The 'Modern Family' actress has struggled with her body in the past, as she suffers with kidney dysplasia - which is where one or both of the kidneys fail to develop properly, and cysts grow instead of normal tissue - which makes her body skinner than average.

Does Sarah Hyland have a baby? ›

Hyland's character has twins in “Modern Family,” but in real life, she does not yet have children.

Why does Haley on Modern Family look different? ›

Through the 11 seasons of the show, fans witnessed how much the actress' appearance has changed. Viewers were particularly concerned about her drastic weight loss, as well as her swollen face. Hyland later revealed that it was due to a chronic illness that led to two kidney transplants.

Why is Haley not in season 9? ›

Sarah Hyland hasn't been in every episode of Modern Family's final season. The 29-year-old actress, who has played Haley Dunphy in all 11 seasons of the ABC comedy, responded to a fan on Twitter asking about her absence. “Apparently I've been busy with the twins,” she wrote back Friday with a shrugging emoji.

What syndrome does Claire have in Modern Family? ›

While they are getting ready to move on to the hotel room, Claire faints and they end up in the hospital instead. The diagnosis, Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, requires Claire to "take it easy". Throughout the following day, Claire makes multiple advances on Phil, who wants her to simply rest.

What condition does Haley from Modern Family have? ›

Sarah Hyland has spoken about her kidney dysplasia and transplant journey before. She has seen so much success that many would think it had come easy.

How old was Haley Dunphy in Season 1? ›

Sarah Hyland as Haley Dunphy

Her character, however, was only 16 in the first season and later celebrated her 21st birthday in Season 6, making the age gap between her and her character one of the most significant in the series.

Why did Alex lose so much weight in Modern Family? ›

When Alex Winter changed up her antidepressant medication, the switch caused the actress to lose thirty pounds.

Why did Sarah Hyland need surgery? ›

Diagnosed with kidney dysplasia, Sarah underwent her first kidney transplant surgery in 2012.

Why does Sarah Hyland take prednisone? ›

The "Modern Family" actress said on Twitter that she has recently been taking the medication prednisone, a steroid used to reduce inflammation and that is used to treat a wide range of ailments from allergies and asthma to lupus and multiple sclerosis.

Was Haley really pregnant in Modern Family? ›

However, while Hyland may have hated Haley's Modern Family ending, the sitcom's biggest mistake was not making Haley pregnant with Dylan's baby. Haley's pregnancy was hated by a lot of viewers and even Hyland herself, but it was a logical extension of the bigger, earlier mistake that the sitcom made with her character.

How old is Haley when she has the twins? ›

We've had Phil and Claire talk about it, but you've never seen it. So that will be a really interesting aspect because she is 25 years old, which is a completely normal time to have a baby; in some states, that's old, and in other states, that's a fetus.

Why does Sarah Hyland have scars? ›

Diagnosed with a condition called kidney dysplasia when she was younger, Sarah has had 16 surgeries, including two kidney transplants, throughout the years. The surgeries have left her with visible scars on her abdomen, but Sarah's not afraid to show them off to the world because she feels they tell her story.

Did Haley wear a wig in Modern Family? ›

"This is just my natural hair. I just had extensions in for Modern Family," she said. "With medications and stuff, it can make your hair fall out. So I had extensions put in for Haley to hide any of that loss."

Does Claire wear a wig in Modern Family? ›

“Kelly Kline gives me Claire hair, which some is fake,” she confesses, showing off her blonde clip-in extensions. “Right there, see this part — it clips in, clips out. It's fake!” For more behind-the-scenes of Modern Family, nab a copy of its sixth season, which comes out on DVD on Sept.

Why was Lily changed in Modern Family? ›

Aubrey replaces Jaden and Ella Hiller, the identical twin girls who played Lily for the Emmy-winning sitcom's first two seasons. The reason for the re-casting, a show source tells PEOPLE, is because the Hiller twins didn't enjoy acting. When they were required to be in scenes, they became agitated and unhappy.

Why does Claire look so different in season 9? ›

Sarah Hyland has had a kidney transplant, which is why she looks different.

What happened to Alex in Modern Family? ›

During the finale, Alex takes a new job in Switzerland and Luke heads to college. By the end of the show, Mitch, Cam, and their two kids are all packed up for their move to Missouri. Visit Insider's homepage for more stories.

Why did Andy leave Haley? ›

After Andy was hired by Haley's family member as a nanny, the two spent months getting to know each other and eventually became close friends. When romantic feelings between the two developed, they had to put their friendship on pause because Andy was engaged to someone else.

What season do Phil and Claire get divorced? ›

Caught in the Act (Modern Family)
"Caught in the Act"
Episode no.Season 2 Episode 13
Directed byMichael Spiller
Written bySteven Levitan Jeffrey Richman
Production code2ARG13
9 more rows

Does Claire actually love Phil? ›

While Modern Family's Claire and Phil Dunphy may be polar opposites, this married sitcom couple truly loves each other and are great parents together.

What heart disease does Claire have? ›

Claire Dunphy

While it would be a surprise for Claire (Julie Bowen) to die, there was a hint dropped in a Season 4 episode about her health when she was diagnosed with the heart condition Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome.

What celebrities have kidney failure? ›

The Hollywood crowd – Directors Stephen Spielberg, Howard Hughes and Alfred Hitchco*ck; actresses Sarah Hyland (Modern Family), Sandra Dee, Marlene Dietrich and Veronica Lake; actors Gary Coleman (Diff'rent Strokes), George Lopez (comedian/talk show host), Dom DeLuise and Laurence Olivier; and TV chef Julia Child.

Why did Haley leave Modern Family? ›

At the end of Modern Family season 3, Haley found out she was wait-listed at a college upstate, and by the start of season 4, viewers found out she got accepted and was leaving home for the first time.

How old was Claire when she got pregnant with Haley? ›

Claire was 23 years old when she had Haley. Claire and Jay's relationship is similar to Kelly and Al Bundy in Married with Children. Once as a child she fell of a donkey in the grand canyon.

Who was replaced in Modern Family? ›

'Modern Family' Replaces Baby Lily With New Child Actor, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons. The 4-year-old replaces twins Jaden and Ella Hiller, who alternately played the role for two seasons.

Why did Haley marry Dylan? ›

Haley had a plethora of love interests on Modern Family and chose Dylan over Arvin and Andy, proving how much she loved him. But is Haley in love with Dylan? It could be argued that she chose him because he's familiar. She didn't need to try to be someone she wasn't and was free to be herself.

Did the cast of Modern Family get along? ›

The cast of Modern Family remain close today

In a separate interview, Ferguson explained that the cast felt like a real family, complete with normal arguments. "We all really do love each other," he told Today, before adding that his TV dad, Ed O'Neill, is a real-life father-figure to him.

Why is Claire from Modern Family so skinny? ›

Julie Bowen, 52, of Modern Family fame reveals she had an eating disorder when she was a teenager. Julie Bowen developed an eating disorder as a 'coping mechanism' when she was a teenager.

Has Alex from Modern Family had plastic surgery? ›

"I appreciate you wanting to help girls love themselves the way they are, but you are also kind of cutting someone (me) down which isn't what I think you were trying to do?" she wrote back. "I also didn't get plastic surgery.

What antidepressants cause weight loss? ›

Most antidepressant medications are more commonly associated with weight gain, but there are three that have been connected to weight loss:
  • Bupropion (Wellbutrin)
  • Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Duloxetine (Cymbalta)
Aug 18, 2021

How long do kidney transplants last? ›

What is the life expectancy of a transplanted kidney? On average, a kidney transplant from a living donor lasts for 20-25 years, while a kidney from a deceased donor lasts 15-20 years. This is very variable depending on the age of the donor and patient, and other medical issues.

What are the symptoms of kidney dysplasia? ›

Signs in adults are visible or microscopic blood in the urine, flank (side) pain, high blood pressure, UTI, and occasional gastrointestinal issues. Some people may also have an abnormality of the blood vessels in the brain, which can lead to sudden bleeding and the risk of an aneurysm.

Why did Sarah Hyland need a new kidney? ›

In 2012, Hyland's father donated a kidney to his daughter. After four years, her body rejected the transplanted organ, and she needed dialysis treatment for kidney failure. In 2017, her brother donated a kidney for her second transplant, which has been successful so far. Kidney dysplasia is not uncommon.

Does prednisone moon face go away? ›

“When the patient stops taking the prednisone, fat distribution goes back to normal and moon face disappears after a few weeks,” Dr. Galligan says. And, again, this kind of swelling isn't harmful, so moon face is actually a relatively minor potential side effect of prednisone.

Do inhaled steroids cause moon face? ›

Moon face is a common and harmless side effect of steroid treatment.

Does your body go back to normal after prednisone? ›

A gradual reduction in prednisone dosage gives your adrenal glands time to resume their usual function. The amount of time it takes to taper off prednisone depends on the disease being treated, the dose and duration of use, and other medical considerations. A full recovery can take a week to several months.

Why does Haley's face look swollen in Modern Family? ›

' ” Hyland revealed that she had basically been “on bed rest for the past few months.” She also explained that a side effect of the medication she takes, Prednisone, can be a swollen face. “I don't mind when you say that I look pregnant. Or fat.

What happened to Claire's face on Modern Family season 9? ›

Her droopy smile is most likely due to incorrect placement of Botox outside the masseter muscle,” said Jennifer Leebow of the LABB.

Why was Alex sick in season 8 of Modern Family? ›

Alex (Ariel Winter) gets mononucleosis during the summer vacation. Claire (Julie Bowen), Phil (Ty Burrell) and Luke (Nolan Gould) all try to use her condition to their advantage.

Was Haley actually pregnant in season 8 Modern Family? ›

Is Sarah, aka Haley, really pregnant? Sorry, Modern Family fans. Sarah is not pregnant IRL, but she recently dished that she feels like she is carrying a baby or two when she is on set thanks to the fake baby bump — which she described as a "really big leotard with a bowling bowl in it" — she has to wear.

Is Haley wearing a wig on Modern Family? ›

"This is just my natural hair. I just had extensions in for Modern Family," Hyland explained. "With medications and stuff, it can make your hair fall out. So I had extensions put in for Haley to hide any of that loss.”

What condition does Claire have in Modern Family? ›

While they are getting ready to move on to the hotel room, Claire faints and they end up in the hospital instead. The diagnosis, Wolff–Parkinson–White syndrome, requires Claire to "take it easy". Throughout the following day, Claire makes multiple advances on Phil, who wants her to simply rest.

Why did Claire quit Modern Family? ›

Claire quit her job as CEO of her dad's closets company, realizing that as much as she missed working, she got so used to having time for her family and didn't like that she no longer had that, especially now with two new grandkids.

Was anyone actually pregnant on Modern Family? ›

Julie Bowen as Claire Dunphy on Modern Family

Julie Bowen was pregnant with twins while filming Modern Family's pilot. She spent the episode shielding her belly with cereal boxes and loads of laundry.

How old is Haley when she gets pregnant Modern Family? ›

We've had Phil and Claire talk about it, but you've never seen it. So that will be a really interesting aspect because she is 25 years old, which is a completely normal time to have a baby; in some states, that's old, and in other states, that's a fetus.

Who was pregnant while filming Modern Family? ›

Bowen was pregnant when she auditioned for the role of the Dunphy matriarch back in 2009, and she felt self-conscious about her pregnancy belly during the casting process. "I was pregnant with twins, and I kept thinking they weren't going to hire me," Bowen told People in 2020.

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