Ariel Winter has defended her decision to wear a risqué number for Modern Family screening after receiving criticism online. The 19-year-old actress, who plays the bookish Alex in the hit comedy show, discussed her outfit in a message posted to Instagram, writing: "As long as you feel good about yourself that's all that matters".
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She wrote: "Why TF does anyone care that I didn't dress casual like everyone else for the panel? Why do I have to be like everyone else? Why can't people just let other people feel good about themselves and do what they want? WEAR WHATEVER YOU WANT PEOPLE! As long as you feel good about yourself that's what matters. I know I did. Don't ever let anyone stifle who you are and how you express yourself. Rant over."
Ariel defended her look
Fans were quick to praise the star, with one replying: "You tell them Ariel, you looked fantastic and the cast love you no matter what," while another added: "People get confused when actors aren't actually the same as the character they play. In a strange way it's a compliment to your acting ability." Ariel also replied to a magazine who tweeted that she "didn't get the dress-code memo" of the screening, writing: "Actually I did. I just made a choice to wear what I wanted and feel bomb".
Ariel's co-stars spoke about her confidence
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Ariel's on-screen mum Julie Bowen spoke to Entertainment Tonight about her confidence. "I'm always like, 'Why are you showing so much of your body?' and then she's like, 'Why not?'," Julie said. "She knows exactly who she is. She knows exactly, and I've watched so much negativity bounce right off her, and I'm like let me learn from you." Sofia Vergara, who plays Gloria on the show, added: "She's great. She's a great actress, she's super professional. We love her on set. She has never given us a reason to be upset. It's fantastic, actually, all the kids on the set are like amazing role model to all kids because they behave really nice."