Ariel Winter‘s mother is on a mission to clear her name and set the record straight!  Chris Workman has opened up to several media sources to explain what’s really behind the allegations of physical and emotional abuse that caused a judge to remove the Modern Family star from her mother’s care last month.

Workman says it all started in late September when she came home and found 14 year old Winter in bed with her 18 year old boyfriend, actor Cameron Palatas.  She had been unhappy with her daughter dating an older man, especially a legal adult, and this was the final straw: Workman went to the police. She told Celebuzz:

“[They were] engaging in behavior that I feel my daughter is too young mentally and physically to understand.  I put a stop to it immediately.

“I filed charges against him because legally he is an adult and if he wants to engage in adult behavior with a minor than he should also be ready to suffer adult consequences for his actions and poor judgment.

“I will not apologize for protecting my daughter, as she means the world to me and I will always be there for her and I will always protect her to the best of my ability until the day I die.”

Shortly thereafter, says mom, Winter claimed abuse and went to go stay with her older sister, Shanelle Gray.  Who has been estranged from her mother since she herself was placed in foster care following allegations of abuse.  Who, says Workman, has “only seen her little sister ten times over the last fourteen years” and only started trying to cozy up after the cast of Modern Family got raises this summer.

Moreover, mom says the abuse claims are entirely false.

“I would never abuse her in any way and I have always tried my best to always protect her and do what is right for her.”

A hearing to determine permanent arrangements for Winter is scheduled for November 20.

Photo:  Ian Wilson/WENN.com

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