A photo of actress Ariel Winter posing with her nieces has become a target for the worst kind of cyber-bullying, and the 17-year-old is taking a stand in her own defense.
Winter posted the above photo over the weekend, and when her followers posted inappropriate comments about her body and claimed that she’s “asking for it” with her attire, the Modern Family star put them in their place:
“Who knew that an innocent photo with my nieces would turn into this?” Winter wrote on Instagram. “The height of a girl’s skirt or whatever she is wearing for that matter, does not imply what she is asking for.
“It sickens me to think at 17 years old, a photo of myself with my nieces is suggesting that I’m ‘asking for it.’
“I typically never give power to the mean things people bravely say behind their computer screens on the Internet, but this is for the girls who are constantly bullied whether it be online or at school.
“You are not asking for anything because of what you are wearing- you are expressing yourself and don’t you ever think you deserve the negativity as the consequence to what you are wearing.
“YOU ARE BEAUTIFUL. Celebrate you and don’t let anyone’s comments allow you to think less of yourself. Us girls have to stick together!!!!!!”
While the circumstances that inspired it may be appalling, Winter’s message is an important one, and it’s not the first time the actress has stood up to Internet bullies.
Back in August, Winter underwent a breast reduction surgery and bravely discussed her decision (and the unwanted attention she received from online pervs) in several interviews.
Just last week, Winter was compared to Ariana Grande by a creepy commenter who intended to slam Grande for being too skinny.
Both young women used the remark to make moving arguments against body-shaming.
It’s sad that Ariel is being forced to engage in this sort of fight, but it seems that she’s up to the challenge, and she’s sending a powerful message to her young fans in the process.
