Ariel Winter is proud of her body.
Ariel Winter
The 18-year-old actress admitted she used to be extremely insecure about her curves but stars including her 'Modern Family' co-star Sofia Vergara helped her to embrace her shape.
She told PEOPLE: "I was very insecure when I was younger because I did grow up in the public eye.
"But then as I got older, I was surrounded by people like Sofia Vergara, and people who were curvier like me and were proud of it. And who were showing it off. That really helped me to move forward and be proud of my body."
Meanwhile, Ariel recently hit out at online bullies, urging those who take aim at her on Instagram to "stop the hate".
She wrote on Instagram: "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.
"Those who say such harsh things on my Instagram, thank you for this opportunity - 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 online 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. I love my fans and I love my bullies for what they truly NEED is love.
"Take the high road, there is less traffic. XO (sic)."
It's a busy time for the star, who revealed that she has deferred her university entry for one year.
The actress has been accepted into the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA), where she intends to study political science, but has decided to delay her education because of her hectic work schedule.
She said: "Unfortunately this year, due to production schedule, I have to start next year.
"So I will be starting as a [UCLA] Bruin next year."
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