Ariel Winter Wins Custody Battle, Can Continue Living With Sister

Ariel Winter has won a custody battle against her mother+ after a judge affirmed a ruling that allows the 15-year-old actress to live with her sister.

The Modern Family star had been locked in a court battle with her mother, Chrisoula Workman, over guardianship. Workman had contested a March ruling that allowed Ariel Winter to live with her sister, Shanelle Gray, but was denied in her effort.

Documents were filed last year claiming that Workman was physically and emotionally abuse to Winter. Workman denied the allegation, but a judge ruled this week that there was no evidence the relationship between mother and daughter had been repaired.

Sources say much of the problem comes back to Winter’s boyfriend, actor Cameron Palatas. Shortly after the abuse allegations emerged, Workman reportedly found her then-14-year-old daughter in bed with the 18-year-old Palatas. Workman “put a stop to it immediately” and filed charges against Palatas.

An attorney for Grey said that Workman had “slapped, hit, pushed” Winter and denied the teenager of food.

Grey was also removed from Workman’s home 20 years ago under similar abuse allegations, thought Workman denies the claims.

“It’s all untrue, it’s all untrue,” she told People magazine. “I have my doctor’s letter that my daughter’s never been abused. I have stylists’ letters that she’s never been abused.”

This week Workman continued to deny claims that she abused her daughter.

“I’m the one being abused here,” Workman told The Associated Press. “I’m doing this for all stage mothers. This could happen to any of them.”

As the saga unfolded, Winter has seen her career blossom. Modern Family remains one of the highest-rated shows on television, and she also picked up the lead role on the Disney Channel’s animated series Sophia The First, which was just renewed for a second season.

A trial date is set for September 16 to decide whether Grey will hold permanent guardianship over Ariel Winter.