Sarah Hyland obtains restraining order against allegedly abusive ex-boyfriend Matthew Prokop

Sarah Hyland and Matt Prokop

When Modern Family‘s Sarah Hyland and Matthew Prokop, her boyfriend of five years, split this summer, sources initially said the breakup was amicable. Now it’s clear that wasn’t the case at all: Sarah’s lawyer, Lee A. Sherman, confirmed to Us Weekly on Tuesday that the 23-year-old actress has obtained a “Domestic Violence Temporary Restraining Order” against her ex.

“[The] documents filed speak for themselves,” the attorney said about the abuse Sarah allegedly suffered throughout the last four years of her relationship with her Geek Charming co-star.

In those documents, which were obtained by TMZ, Sarah claimed he choked, pushed and threatened her. She recalled one specific incident from May in which Matthew allegedly got her in a choke hold against a car and repeatedly called her a “c**t.”

“His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak. I was scared and in fear for my life,” Sarah said in the legal document, adding she had a “very sore throat following this event.” She said the argument was about the outfit she was wearing.

Sarah Hyland Abusive Relationship

Sarah said she resolved to end her relationship with Matthew earlier this year, but feared for her safety during the confrontation. So, in a true Modern Family move, on-screen mom Julie Bowen came over to the young couple’s house to help “peacefully end the relationship.” Still, Sarah said Matthew freaked out when he returned home and saw Julie (and a few others) there.

“[He] ran outside into the backyard and began screaming,” Sarah said in the document. When she went out, he threw a lighter at her. Julie then stepped in and told Sarah to go inside.

Afterward, Sarah said Matthew “relentlessly bombarded me with vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voice mails including his own suicide threats.” Among other things, he said he would burn down her house and “would never see” her dog again.

Sarah finally gained some peace of mind in August when Matthew entered rehab. However, he was released on Sept. 21 — even though the facility’s director was reportedly the one who advised Sarah to get the restraining order “due to his mental state and attitude against her.”

Matthew must now stay 100 yards away from Sarah and her dog at all times.


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