MOM: “Modern Family” star Ariel Winter can stay with her sister thanks to lawyer Blair Berk (inset). (
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‘Modern Family’ star Ariel Winter will remain in the custody of her older sister until the case goes to trial, a judge ruled yesterday.
Los Angeles Superior Court Judge Michael Levanas made his decision after reading a report by child protective investigators which was critical of Winter’s mother, Chrisoula “Chris” Workman.
According to the Associated Press, the report found that there was “evidence of emotional abuse” toward Winter by Workman, while charges of physical abuse were inconclusive.
A trial date has been set for Dec. 12 on whether the custody change should be permanent.
Winter, 14, has been living with her 34-year-old sister, Shanelle Gray, since early October after Gray alleged that Winter — who plays middle kid Alex Dunphy on the ABC sitcom — was being “physically and emotionally” abused by Workman.
Gray herself had claimed similar abuse when she was a teenager, and never reconciled with Workman after spending two years in foster care.
The case has turned into a circus, with Winter’s older brother, Jimmy Workman, first defending then turning on his mother — and Winter’s estranged father, Glenn Workman, saying that he wants to take care of Ariel (his request was denied by Levanas).
Chris Workman, who’s denied that she ever abused Winter, claims that Gray “came out of the woodwork” only after Winter received a big pay raise on “Modern Family,” where she’s now earning about $1.5 million per season.
‘‘The allegations made by Ariel are false,’’ said Chris Workman’s attorney Anita Gumm, according to the AP.
‘‘We really feel she’s just a rebellious teen and wants her independence.
“It’s our hope that the court terminates the guardianship. Both parents want Ariel home.
“Shanelle is not suitable to be a guardian.’’