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Ariel Winter, known for her role in “Modern Family,” shared her intense experience of posing as a young girl to help apprehend a child predator.
The 27-year-old actress, who portrayed Alex Dunphy in “Modern Family” from 2009 to 2020, collaborated with the nonprofit Safe from Online Sex Abuse (SOSA) for a undercover operation showcased in the true crime docuseries “SOSA Undercover.”
In the show’s debut episode, Winter acted as a 12-year-old girl to lure a 31-year-old predator in Oklahoma City. In a recent interview with the Daily Mail, Winter discussed her feelings about being a decoy during the mission.
“Working with SOSA has been liberating, knowing I can contribute to making a change,” Winter stated.
‘MODERN FAMILY’ STAR ARIEL WINTER FLED LA TO ESCAPE TRAUMA FROM CHILDHOOD STARDOM
Ariel Winter posed as a 12-year-old girl to attract an online child predator. (Gonzalo Marroquin/Getty Images for 4th Annual Legacy Ball)
“Pretending to be 12 and engaging with older men can be frightening, but it’s rewarding to help put dangerous individuals behind bars,” she added.
“Having grown up in the industry, I understand the type of girl we aim to protect. It’s crucial for me to help shield young women from the experiences I faced,” Winter elaborated.
To fit the role of the fictitious 12-year-old, Winter wore a blonde wig with bangs. In one scene, she was depicted sitting on a bed in a room designed to resemble a child’s bedroom. She spoke in a child-like voice during a FaceTime call with the predator, whom she addressed as “Daddy.”
“Pretending to be 12 and talking to older men can be frightening, but it’s validating to put away predators that have been harming children.”
Winter starred in “Modern Family” throughout its entire run from 2009 to 2020. (Photo by Bob D’Amico/Disney General Entertainment Content via Getty Images)
While talking with DailyMail.com, Winter explained her collaboration with SOSA to spot online child predators.
“Locating these individuals is challenging since they don’t use their real names or aliases, requiring us to investigate their identities,” she mentioned. “Discovering who is targeting pre-teen girls reveals many troubling facts.”
“I was astonished by the sheer number of men seeking to engage with girls aged 12 or 13—it’s in the hundreds of thousands,” Winter shared.
“These men often appear to be ordinary, nice individuals—many seem like the guy next door, often married with kids. They present themselves as pleasant, showing photos of their pets and discussing their daily lives. But in reality, they desire to spend time with a 12-year-old girl, ask inappropriate questions, and inquire if parents are nearby,” she explained.
“One man, nearly 40 years old, suggested shopping for a new bra with an 11-year-old girl. That’s not normal. It’s quite concerning.”
The actress featured in the premiere episode of “SOSA Undercover.” (Getty Images)
Winter described her shock at seeing adult men targeting girls aged 12 to 14. “This entire experience has been heart-wrenching; I think about these young girls being approached by much older men,” she reflected.
“Having worked in Hollywood from a young age—my first job was at four—I’m well aware of male predators,” Winter revealed. She noted that inappropriate messages from older men began arriving when she got access to laptops and cell phones, causing significant trauma.
“The incidents I encountered both online and in person during my childhood have profoundly impacted me, necessitating therapy,” Winter disclosed. “The entertainment industry harbors darkness.”
Winter portrayed Alex Dunphy on the popular sitcom. (Tony Rivetti via Getty Images)
Winter emphasized how vulnerable children can easily fall victim to adult predators.
“Children often seek online friendships because they are lonely or bored, thinking they can connect with a man without realizing how much older he is and that he might have harmful intentions,” she said.
The Virginia native expressed her commitment to continue her volunteer work with SOSA. “I appreciate collaborating with SOSA; it’s women supporting women, and I’m dedicated to this work as long as I can,” Winter mentioned.
Winter intends to keep assisting SOSA “as long as possible.” (Christine Bartolucci/Variety via Getty Images)
In February, SOSA posted a clip from the show’s premiere on Instagram before its release on March 20. Winter commented on the video, sharing her personal experiences with child sexual abuse.
“I was subjected to online grooming both virtually and in real life, along with child sexual abuse,” Winter remarked. “The repercussions are lifelong and unavoidable. This has always been a concern, but in today’s digital age, it is escalating rapidly and adopting even more manipulative forms.”
She added, “Predators have unprecedented access to all children now. This issue must be highlighted and fought against vigorously. These are genuine situations involving men committing real crimes, being apprehended by law enforcement who support us throughout.”
“SOSA aims to secure actual convictions to remove these offenders from society,” Winter concluded. “Although this work is challenging, it’s incredibly rewarding to know that we’ve helped protect even one child.”
