Julie Bowen is downplaying her role in helping her “Modern Family” co-star Sarah Hyland during a crisis.
On Monday’s episode of “The Skinny Confidential Him & Her” podcast, Bowen was asked about a 2014 incident in which she helped Hyland — who played Bowen’s daughter on the hit ABC sitcom — leave an abusive partner.
“Sarah Hyland gives you credit for saving her life after a violent relationship,” co-host Lauryn Bosstick told Bowen, about 26 minutes into the episode.
“Oh, that’s very sweet of her,” Bowen responded humbly. “
You were like, it sounds like, a mother to her,” Bosstick pressed.
“I was a responsible adult that happened to be around at the right time,” Bowen said. “I mean, I’m sure another responsible adult would have done the exact same thing. I just love her.”
Kevin Mazur via Getty Images
In September 2014, when she was in her early 20s, Hyland secured a restraining order against her ex-boyfriend, fellow actor Matthew Prokop, after he allegedly choked her, according to documents first obtained by TMZ.
After the incident, Hyland called Bowen to come to her home and help her “peacefully end the relationship,” according to the outlet. But when Bowen witnessed Prokop throw a lighter at Hyland, Bowen reportedly stepped in and told Hyland she wasn’t safe.
This is not the first time Bowen has downplayed her role in the ordeal.
Speaking to HuffPost in 2014, Bowen said that the media narrative surrounding the incident had been “grossly overblown,” especially in regards to her “involvement” in it. “I love Sarah and I support her wholeheartedly,” Bowen told HuffPost. “And I didn’t do anything special at all. Nothing that you wouldn’t do for anybody who’s going through a breakup. I think it just got a lot of attention because she’s an adorably cute person who’s on TV.”
Need help? In the U.S., call 1-866-331-9474 or text “loveis” to 22522 for the National Dating Abuse Helpline.