Modern Family actress Sarah Hyland has opened up for the first time about her ex-boyfriend Matt Prokop, after reports the actor was abusive towards her. It was revealed last month that the star had been granted a temporary restraining order against Matt – who she dated for five years – after claiming he had physically assaulted her and threatened her life.
During an interview this week with Meredith Vieira, herself a victim of abuse during her 20s, Sarah spoke about how she had coped with the experience. "There are two quotes that I want to say," the 23-year-old told her host. "One is a Dylan Thomas poem – 'Do not go gentle into that good night. Rage, rage against the dying of the light', which is one of my favourite poems.
It just strikes a chord with me," she said. The star then cited Robert Frost's quote, "The only way out is through", as helping her through the difficult time. "People have to go through things in order to become the person they are today, and that's that," she added.
On 6 October, Sarah was granted a three-year restraining order against Matt, who must stay 100 yards away from her, her house and her dog, and her workplace. Sarah first met Matt while auditioning for High School Musical 3: Senior Year in 2008. They later starred together in Disney Channel's original movie, Geek Charming, in 2011.