Ariel Winter addressed the backlash over her recent “Hollywood Reporter” interview

After a recent interview in which she discussed her childhood and her plans for college, Modern Family actress Ariel Winter is responding to the negative feedback she received. Specifically one part of the interview, where she addressed — you guessed it — her wardrobe.

In the interview, Winter got candid about her rough childhood (for example, food was moderated and she wasn’t allowed to play with other girls) and mentioned how her clothes were sexualized at a young age — everything was cut low and skirts were extremely short.

"People thought I was 24 when I was 12," Winter said to The Hollywood Reporter. "If there was going to be a nude scene when I was that age, my mother would have a thousand percent said yes."

Unfortunately, while many felt like it was refreshing for Winter to open up about her not-so-normal experience, other fans decided to lash out at Winter.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BZNmS-yBGDj

In a three-image slideshow, Winter addressed all of the complaints about the interview.

"I'd also like to address the tweets I get saying 'you accused your mother of sexualizing you yet you're a whore.' I was a CHILD being dressed like I was 24. I was 8-13 years old. I wasn't an ADULT as I am now. As you mature at 16, 17, 18 you further develop your own identity and can make decisions for yourself," she said. "As a child, you do as you're told regardless of what is good for you."

She has a point — while she’s still young, she’s a legal adult. Back then, she was too young to make decisions and was likely unaware of what image she was projecting.

"Just because I DECIDE to show my body occasionally doesn't mean I'm unintelligent or that I'm talentless or that I have no self respect," Winter stated.

We’re glad that she is standing up for herself. And she makes a good point — you should never make assumptions about someone’s intelligence or drive based on how they like to dress.