‘I Could not breathe or Speak’: Inside Sarah Hyland’s Permanent Restraining Order Against an Ex-Boyfriend as She Filmed Modern Family

As a fervent admirer of Sarah Hyland and her remarkable journey, I find myself in awe of her strength and resilience. Her story is not just about an actress who stood against domestic violence, but a beacon of hope for countless women (and men) facing similar challenges.


In 2014, when Sarah Hyland was at the peak of her fame on Modern Family, she secured a long-term protective order against her former boyfriend, Matthew Prokop, due to troubling accusations of emotional and physical mistreatment. This court-issued order prohibited Prokop from approaching Hyland, her residence, or her workplace for a period of three years, with a distance of 100 yards maintained at all times.

As a devoted admirer, I can’t help but share my feelings regarding the events that unfolded in my five-year relationship with Prokop. The turmoil I experienced during those years, which were marked by alleged abuse, eventually led to a restraining order against him. In legal documents, I bravely recounted harrowing incidents – threats, physical violence, and emotional control – that allegedly intensified post-breakup.

In her legal papers, Hyland disclosed the severity of the mistreatment, detailing instances like Prokop forcing her against a car and cutting off her airway with a chokehold so tight she couldn’t breathe or speak. “I was terrified and felt threatened to my very existence,” she expressed in the documents. Additionally, she detailed receiving menacing text messages and voicemails from Prokop, some of which contained threats of suicide.

Not only did the restraining order apply to Hyland, but it also encompassed her canine companion, Barkley Bixby. Reports claim that Prokop had made threats concerning Barkley’s safety, leading Hyland to petition for expanded protections. Consequently, the court’s ruling prohibited Prokop from possessing firearms or ammunition.

Initially, Hyland obtained a temporary prohibiting order in September 2014, leading up to her pursuit of a permanent one. At that point, her lawyer, Lee A. Sherman, issued a statement to media outlets: “The submitted documents are self-explanatory. Due to the court, the procedure, and all involved parties, I have asked Ms. Hyland to refrain from commenting on this matter.

During this challenging period, Hyland’s decision to take legal action signified a significant shift in her life. Simultaneously, she filmed Modern Family, managing to uphold her professional demeanor throughout. Regardless of her private hardships, she skillfully depicted the easy-going character Haley Dunphy amidst her own personal hurdles on set.

Reflecting on 2014, I’d like to highlight Sarah Hyland’s bold stance as a powerful lesson in standing up against abuse and advocating for personal safety. At only 23 years old, she displayed incredible bravery by leveraging the legal system to reclaim her life. Although this journey was certainly challenging, Hyland’s resilience serves as an inspiring beacon for others facing similar hardships, proving that it is possible to take decisive steps towards safety and healing.

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2024-11-26 12:40