Modern Family Star Takes Down Body Shamers

When one lives a life in the public eye, it is a given that they will be subjected to scrutiny; it unfortunately, comes with the territory. Certain things are acceptable. Many will have their work (and choice of outfit etc.) criticised and so long as this is done in a fair and respectful manner, it isn’t too bad. However, what is not acceptable is bombarding a 17-year-old actress with derogatory comments after she chooses to share a family moment on social media.

Modern Family actress Ariel Winter was subjected to grossly unfair comments after posting a sweet snap to her Instagram account.??After posing in a very tasteful bikini with her two young nieces, the actress was soon subjected to disgraceful comments, including that she was ?asking for it.? It’s extremely sad to think we are of an era that anyone (celebrity or not) should be victim to such comments after sharing a happy, family photograph.

??? #mynieces #lovethem #fbf

A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on Nov 13, 2015 at 8:24am PST

The TV star responded eloquently, with this thought-provoking post. She shared an image of the back of a woman’s legs, which are marked like a ruler with words like “provocative” and “slut” to allude to an association between hemlines and perception, in response to the internet trolls. “Who knew that an innocent photo with my nieces would turn into this?” Winter wrote. “The height of a girl’s skirt or whatever she is wearing for that matter does not imply what she is asking for.”

ICYMI: 17-Year-Old Modern Family Actress Opens Up About Breast Reduction

Who knew that an innocent photo with my nieces would turn into this? The height of a girl’s skirt or whatever she is wearing for that matter, does not imply what she is asking for. It sickens me to think at 17 years old, a photo of myself with my nieces is suggesting that I’m “asking for it”. I typically never give power to the mean things people bravely say behind their computer screens on the Internet, but this is for the girls who are constantly bullied whether it be online or at school.. You are not asking for anything because of what you are wearing- you are expressing yourself and don’t you ever think you deserve the negativity as the consequence to what you are wearing- YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Celebrate you and don’t let anyone’s comments allow you to think less of yourself. Us girls have to stick together!!!!!!

A photo posted by Ariel Winter (@arielwinter) on Nov 13, 2015 at 9:37am PST

“It sickens me to think at 17 years old, a photo of myself with my nieces is suggesting that I’m ‘asking for it,’ ” Winter continued.

The teen star, who recently spoke about her decision to undergo breast reduction surgery earlier this year, said she doesn’t usually “give power” to mean things said about her on the Internet but felt inspired to speak out for other girls who have been bullied. “You are not asking for anything because of what you are wearing – you are expressing yourself and don’t you ever think you deserve the negativity as the consequence of what you are wearing – YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL,” she wrote. “Celebrate you and don’t let anyone’s comments allow you to think less of yourself.?

Hopefully, Winter’s empowering comments will encourage others to make a similar’statements denouncing body shaming in any form. We’ve reported on this topic frequently, and it happens far too often – it shouldn’t happen even once.