Sarah Hyland Posts Sweet Message About Modern Family Co-Stars Amid Ex-Boyfriend Drama

The actress, who plays Haley Dunphy on the hit comedy series, recently obtained a temporary restraining order against former beau Matthew Prokop, alleging he abused and threatening her

By Corinne Heller Sep 25, 2014 3:33 PMTags
Sarah Hyland, Sofía Vergara, Aubrey Anderson-Emmons, Julie Bowen and Ariel Winter, Jesse Tyler Ferguson, Nolan Gould, Rico RodriJason Merritt/Getty Images

As she deals with the turbulent aftermath of a breakup, Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland is concentrating on her work—and her love for her onscreen family.

The 23-year-old shared a sweet message about her co-stars, alongside a photo of the cast following the show's big 2014 Emmy win, on her Instagram page hours before the season 6 premiere of the ABC comedy series, in which she plays teen Haley Dunphy.

"Tonight's the night!!! Season 6 premiere of #modernfamily on abc 9/8c!!!! I can't believe I've been working with this show for almost 6 years!" she said. "I love these people with all of my heart and will never forget this blessing of a job ... Hope you all enjoy the new season!!"

She posted the message on Wednesday, a day after it was revealed that she had last week obtained a temporary restraining order against ex-boyfriend and actor Matthew Prokop, claiming that he abused her physically and verbally, as recently as August, during the last four years of their five-year relationship. She also stated that he sent her threatening messages and voice mails after she ended it.

Prokop a 24-year-old actor, has not commented and no charges have been filed. A court hearing has been set for Oct. 10 to determine if the restraining order, which prohibits him from going within 100 yards of Hyland and her dog, a Maltipoo named Barkley Bixby, or contacting the actress, will be extended.

Hyland's restraining order filing states that Julie Bowen, who plays her mother on Modern Family, and two other colleagues were present when she broke up with Prokop, who she said screamed at her and threw a lighter at her when he saw them. She says Bowen then told her to leave her house out of concern for her safety.

Frazer Harrison/Getty Images

Hyland says in her filing that she and Prokop met in 2008, began dating around June 2009 and began living together a little more than a year later. She adds that he moved out this past August and entered a rehab center. He has not confirmed this. Hyland said the facility's director told her Prokop was set to be discharged on Sept. 21. She filed her restraining order request two days prior.

Prokop appeared in the 2008 Disney film High School Musical 3: Senior Year and starred with Hyland in the 2011 Disney Channel movie Geek Charming. He also played her character's Disneyland date in a 2012 episode of Modern Family.

—Additional reporting by Claudia Rosembaum