Ariel Winter, known for her role as Alex Dunphy on the hit sitcom *Modern Family*, recently captivated fans with a striking video showcasing her bold fashion choices and powerful vocal talent. The actress, 27, donned revealing black cut-out pants and a tiny bra while performing “Part of Your World” from *The Little Mermaid* in an empty theatre. In a playful introduction, she greeted viewers with, “Hey MTV, welcome to my crib…”
Her performance impressed fans and caught the attention of her former co-star, Rico Rodriguez, who played Manny Delgado on *Modern Family*. He responded enthusiastically, suggesting, “Need a full season of this!” Winter’s confident display was not just about fashion; it also highlighted her vocal prowess, further endearing her to followers.
Despite the positive reception, Winter has been open about the challenges she faces with online negativity. She has addressed body shaming and bullying, urging individuals to practice self-acceptance. In a heartfelt message shared on her Instagram, she said, “Every time someone bullies me online, it gives me a chance to re-emphasize to my fans, and even myself, how important self-acceptance is.”
She continued, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to discuss self-worth, “But the question I ask myself every time I read the mean comments is if this is how you talk to a stranger online, I can only imagine how cruelly you speak to yourself. Stop the hate. Accept all that you are and know your flaws are what make you the PERFECT you.”
Winter’s Advocacy Against Online Abuse
Winter’s experiences in Hollywood have also shaped her perspective on online safety. She revealed that she was targeted by male predators as young as 12 years old, which had a lasting impact on her mental health. In an interview with DailyMail.com, she recounted the trauma stemming from inappropriate messages she received as a child actress. “The experiences I had in person and online as a child have affected me so deeply that I’ve had to go to therapy for it,” she stated.
In response to these challenges, Winter has teamed up with the organization SOSA (Safe From Online Sex Abuse), which aims to protect young people from online predators. The group uses decoy strategies to expose and apprehend individuals attempting to exploit minors. Winter participates actively in these undercover missions, describing the experience as both nerve-racking and rewarding. “We build decoy rooms in case the [predator] wants to see our rooms. We have personas. It’s very serious,” she explained.
While she finds the work fulfilling, Winter acknowledged that it sometimes brings up painful memories. “I didn’t realize it would trigger some of the past traumas for me that it did,” she said, emphasizing the importance of addressing these issues head-on.
Through her advocacy and performances, Ariel Winter continues to inspire her fans while raising awareness about critical issues affecting young individuals in the entertainment industry. Her commitment to fostering a positive online environment shows her dedication to not only her craft but also to the well-being of others.
