“Modern Family” star Ariel Winter is officially emancipated.
The actress, who plays Alex Dunphy in the series, took to Twitter on Friday to announce the news.
I am now officially emancipated!!! I’m really lucky I have an amazing support system and lovely people in my life… http://t.co/lJtlpGoEYc
— Ariel Winter (@arielwinter1) May 15, 2015
The 17-year-old actress has been at the center of a family custody battle between her older sister, Shanelle Gray, and their mother, Chrisoula Workman.
Winter thanked Gray, her father and her fans in the tweet, and said she couldn’t wait to embark on “new adventures”:
I am now officially emancipated!!! I’m really lucky I have an amazing support system and lovely people in my life who have given me the support and guidance to have been given this wonderful opportunity. Most importantly I want to thank @shanelle_gray and my father for their special support regarding this matter, I really couldn’t have done it without them. Thank you to all of my family, friends, and fans who have supported me through all of my endeavors in life, and have encouraged me. Thank you for making my life so special! I can’t wait to embark on my new adventures. ❤️ xo
The family trouble dates back to late 2012, when Winter was removed from her home following allegations of physical and emotional abuse by her mother. The Department of Children and Family Services later found evidence of the abuse. Last April, Gray was granted permanent guardianship of Winter.
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