Ariel Winter's life has been "better and safer" since she was emancipated from her mother.
Ariel Winter
The 18-year-old actress was handed control over her own affairs almost a year ago following a long court battle during which the Department of Children and Family Services found evidence of emotional abuse by her mom Chrisoula Workman and though she admits it is a "sad" situation, the 'Modern Family' actress thinks it was the right thing to do.
She said: "It's most definitely hard to grow up in the industry, but just [to] grow up in any instance without a mother from a very young age.
"And it has been very sad for me, but at the same time it's been much better for me emotionally and physically to be on my own and have a better, safer household and support system.
"I don't really talk about the reason that I don't speak to my mother. It's kind of been publicised, but the reason I don't really share that is because I want to give her the respect that she didn't give to me publicly."
In 2012, Ariel's older sister Shanelle Gray - who she still lives with now - became her guardian and the teenage actress is thankful to have her in her life.
She told talk show host Ellen DeGeneres: "She's been the best part of my life. She really is my best friend.
"She's the most important thing to me. She's been there for me through absolutely everything. And I just love her so much. I count on her more than anything."
Tagged in Ellen DeGeneres Ariel Winter