Ariel Winter’s Grandfather Denies Seeing Abuse Of Granddaughter

Ariel Winter’s grandfather has spoken out to defend Winter’s mother against allegations of physical and emotional abuse.

The 14-year-old actress, star of ABC’s Modern Family, was taken away from her mother Chrisoula ‘Crystal’ Workman on November 7 after the abuse accusations were made. The teen, who is allegedly planning to divorce her parents over their disapproval of her relationship with 17-year-old Cameron Palatas, is now the subject of an ugly custody dispute.

TMZ reports James Batistas wrote a letter to the court, describing his daughter Chrisoula as a “very good mother to all the children.” Ariel Winter’s grandfather writes:

“I have never seen any abuse from my daughter or son-in-law towards my granddaughters neither physical nor emotionally.”

Batistas’s letter also refers to a previous incident involving Winter’s older sister Shanelle. Like Ariel, she accused her mother of abuse and was sent to live with Batistas nearly two decades ago.

However, differing reports seem to paint a different picture, with many claiming Shanelle was in the foster care system for over two years before she entered Batistas’ custody and moved into his Virginia home.

It’s rumored that Batista has only limited contact with his granddaughters, seeing them on average only once every two years. Ariel Winter’s grandfather says he simply wants to see his daughters and granddaughters reunited.

Meanwhile, Workman has vigorously denied the allegations made against her. She previously told People magazine:

“I have my doctor’s letter that my daughter’s never been abused. I have stylists’ letters that she’s never been abused.”

The accused mother is set to face a hearing on Tuesday, November 20. Ariel remains under the care of sister Shanelle until the hearing, with a judge ordering that Workman shouldn’t contact her daughter until the pending court date.

What do you think about the letter sent by Ariel Winter’s grandfather?