Sarah Hyland, who playes Hayley Dunphy on ABC's Modern Family, was granted a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, actor Matthew Prokop, according to reports.
According to court documents obtained by TMZ, the 23-year-old actress said Prokop, 24, pinned her against a car during an argument and choked her while repeatedly calling her a "c***." In the document, Hyland said, "His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak. I was scared and in fear for my life."
In her affidavit, Hayland claimed that Prokop "relentlessly bombarded me with vile, threatening and emotionally disturbing texts and voice mails including his own suicide threats," after they ended their five-year relationship, TMZ reported.
According to the documents, Hyland's TV mom, Julie Bowen, witnessed Prokop's abusive behavior.
From TMZ:
In the docs, Hyland says she knew she was in an abusive relationship — and asked her TV mom Julie Bowen to come to her house to help "peacefully end the relationship."
Hyland says she had purchased a plane ticket to send Matthew back to his home in Texas — but when Matthew arrived to the home and saw Julie (along with others), he freaked out ... "ran outside into the backyard and began screaming."
Hyland says Prokop threw a lighter at her — and that's when Julie stepped in and told Sarah to get out of the house because she wasn't safe around Prokop.
Hyland claimed that Prokop told her he would light one of her homes on fire and threatened that she would never see her dog again.
Prokop is reportedly seeking treatment for alcohol and marijuana abuse at an Orange County rehab facility in August since his split with Hyland.
My man grilling up some hot dogs and steak before the #VampireAcademy premiere! This girl is huuungry :) @mattpro13
After he left rehab on Sept. 21, the facility's director advised Hyland to get a restraining order against Prokop because of his attitude towards her, according to court documents.
On Sept. 19, an LA judge granted a temporary restraining order against Prokop requiring him to stay at least 100 yards away from Hyland and her dog.
Lighting change
Hyland and Prokop began dating in 2008 when they auditioned for High School Musical 3. They broke up in August this year.
Blah in bed all day with this one
Prokop also appeared on Modern Family's "Disneyland" episode where he played a potential love interest to Hyland's character, Hayley.
Hyland's lawyer, Lee Sherman, said he advised her not to speak publicly about the matter.
In a statement, Sherman said, "Out of respect for the court, the process and all parties, I have advised Ms. Hyland not to comment on the matter. We request that you respect the parties' privacy during this time."