Ariel Winter says her mom sexualized her at a young age

Sept. 15 (UPI) -- Ariel Winter says estranged mom Crystal Workman sexualized her during her childhood.

The 19-year-old actress claimed in the Sept. 13 issue of The Hollywood Reporter that Workman sexualized her appearance from age 7 in an attempt to further her career.

"[She dressed me in] the smallest miniskirts, sailor suits, low-cut things, the shortest dresses you've ever seen," Winter recalled.

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

Winter was legally emancipated from Workman in 2015 after alleging her mom was emotionally and physically abusive. She said in an interview with Good Morning America the next year that she had "a really, really hard childhood."

"It wasn't normal. It wasn't what I should have had," the star said of life with Workman, whom she said "pushed very hard" for her to succeed in the industry. "It wasn't a supportive, loving home. I had a really tough time."

Winter lived with her sister, Shanelle Workman, following her emancipation, and moved in with her boyfriend, actor Levi Meaden, this year. She told The Hollywood Reporter she hasn't spoken to Workman in five years.

"Even though I was I had a better childhood, I wouldn't trade it, because it made me who I am today," the actress said. "I still respect the people that hurt me."