Summary: Sarah Hyland has been granted a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Prokop, after he allegedly physically and verbally abused her.
The Daily News reports that 23-year-old “Modern Family” actress Sarah Hyland has come forward stating her ex-boyfriend, Matthew Prokop was physically abusive throughout their six year relationship, which ended in August. Hyland was recently granted a restraining order against Prokop after he sent her “vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voicemails including his own suicide threats.”
Hyland claims that Prokop choked her, pushed her, and threatened her throughout the relationship. He was also verbally abusive toward her. Court documents about the domestic violence include allegations that Julie Bowen, a fellow “Modern Family” actress, witnessed some of the abusive incidents between the pair. Prokop, who has also made appearances on “Modern Family”, is accused of pinning Hyland, who is only 5’2, against a car door as they argued over her clothing. Court records state that Prokop called Hyland a “c—t” repeatedly.
Hyland stated through court documents that “His grip was so tight that [she] could not breathe or speak. [She] was scared and in fear for [her] life.” Prokop’s hold around Hyland’s throat was so tight that her voice was injured, giving her a “very sore throat” after the incident.
The court papers also state that Hyland became aware she was in an abusive relationship and sought help from Bowen when she decided to end the relationship.
Bowen went with Hyland to the couple’s home to “peacefully end the relationship.” Prokop was given a plane ticket to his home in Texas, but he “ran outside into the backyard and began screaming.” It is reported that he threw a lighter at Hyland. In addition, he threatened to set one of her homes on fire and that she would never see her dog again.
After that incident, Prokop began texting Hyland incessantly. Hyland asserts that Prokop “relentlessly bombarded [her] with vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voicemails including his own suicide threats.”
Hyland met Prokop in 2008 when they both showed up for an audition of “High School Musical 3”. Hyland’s popularity skyrocketed with her role as the gorgeous airhead Haley Dunphy on “Modern Family”. Prokop is best known for his roles as Jimmie “The Rocket Man” Zara in “High School Musical 3” and Josh Rosen in the Disney Channel Original Movie “Geek Charming.”
Prokop recently went to rehab in August, but was released on September 21. According to Hyland, the facility director contacted her and warned her that she may need a restraining order for her protection once Prokop was released.
The court granted the restraining order on September 19, which prohibits Prokop from coming within 100 feet of Hyland or her dog.
Hyland’s attorney, Lee Sherman, stated, “The documents filed speak for themselves. Out of respect for the court, the process an the parties, I have advised Ms. Hyland not to comment on the matter. We request that you respect the parties’ privacy during this time.”
Prokop’s Twitter feed is loaded with photos of the couple during happier times, such as trips to Hawaii and Brazil for the World Cup. At the end of the summer, he tweeted, “Yay Friday night and I’m home alone…awesome.” He followed the tweet with a sad emoticon. In a later tweet, he said, “Here comes that sun again…Means another day without you my friend.”
Photo credit: eonline.com