Ariel Winter Gushes About Big Sister Days After Her Mom Is Denied Custody
Posted on Tue Aug 6th, 2013 10:15am PDT By X17 Staff
Looks like there's some good news for Modern Family star Ariel Winter’s long-running, real-life family drama with mother Chrisoula “Crystal†Workman. Just two days after a court denied Crystal custody of the 15-year-old actress, Ariel publicly gushed about her big sister, The Bold and the Beautiful actress Shanelle Gray, on Instagram.
On Saturday. Ariel wrote birthday wishes to her 35-year-old sister, saying, "Happy birthday to the most amazing mister, (sister/mommy) on the planet @shanelle_gray ! I love you so much. You have helped me become a better person and grow into the woman I want to be. You are my inspiration. The things you have done for me, I'm honestly speechless. There are no words to describe how grateful I am to have you.†She also added that her sister was a great example for her, “You've taught me so much about being a classy young woman and about life. If I could ever be as amazing as you are and as amazing of a mother, I'd be incredibly lucky. I look up to you so much."
Ariel and her mother have made news since the starlet was removed from Crystal’s home in November 2012, after allegations of both emotional and physical abuse. A restraining order was also put in effect at the time, barring Crystal from being within 100 yards of her younger daughter. According to TMZ, older sister Shanelle had also been removed from her mother’s home as a child, and was put into foster care by the Department of Children and Family Services. Despite these many custody issues, Crystal filed legal documents to get custody of Ariel but was denied in late July, but will still have a custody trial in September.
Ariel, who plays brainy teen Alex Dunphy on the hit ABC show, also added in her lengthy praise on her sister, "Anytime I need a hug or a laugh or if I'm just down and need someone, I can just talk to you and I'm instantly better. You've been my best friend, my rock, and will always be my heart. You deserve the absolute world, and are the brightest star in the sky. You're BEAUTIFUL inside and out. So talented and humble and special. I will always be here for you Snelly. ALWAYS. You can always count on me, because it'll always be you and me."
What a sweet message! Looks like Ariel has quite the maternal example in big sister Shanelle, who also has two children with her husband and who was granted an extended guardianship over the young actress.