Modern Family star Sarah Hyland has spoken out against her ex-boyfriend, claiming he was abusive on multiple occasions, pushing her, choking her and threatening her life. Hyland, who plays Haley Dunphy on the hit ABC series, has been granted a restraining order against former partner Matthew Prokop, who once played a part on the show.

Matthew Prokop, Sarah Hyland
Prokop (left) and Hyland (right) started dating in 2009.

According to court documents, obtained by TMZ, Hyland claimed that it was co-star Julie Bowen, who helped her break free of the abusive relationship. The relationship lasted for four years, with Hyland citing multiple incidents, including one last May, during which Prokop pinned her against a car, choked her and repeatedly called her a “c***.”

'His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak,' Hyland said in the documents. 'I was scared and in fear for my life.'

More: Sarah Hyland Acquires Restraining Order Against Ex-Boyfriend Matt Prokop

 

On another occasion, Hyland alleges she flew out Prokop to his home in Texas, but the reunion did not go smoothly. When the actor saw everyone, including Bowen at the house, he allegedly threw a fit, went into the backyard and started screaming. Hyland also claims that Prokop threw a lighter at her, at which point it was Bowen, who intervened and got her out of the house, judging that her on-screen daughter wasn’t safe around her boyfriend.

Julie Bowen
Julie Bowen allegedly helped Hyland get out of the relationship.

Hyland’s testimony also claims that Prokop threatened to set one of her homes on fire – and that she would never see her dog again. She was also allegedly advised to get a restraining order by the director of the rehab facility, where Prokop was treated between August and September. The actor was released on September 21st.