Another revelation has been unearthed in the family drama engulfing teen actress Ariel Winter.
Shanelle Gray, 34, may remain in custody of her younger sister but she’s reportedly had a history of financial troubles.
The “Modern Family” star’s older sister filed for bankruptcy in 2000 with assets totaling a scant $385 and debts totaling $42,561.89, TMZ claimed in a report. According to her filing at the time, Shanelle declared $10 cash, $75 in her checking account, and her only earthly assets were a bed, dresses, an alarm clock and a radio.
Their mother Chris Workman reportedly came out of the woodwork only after Ariel received a big pay raise on “Modern Family,” where she’s now earning about $1.5 million per season. TMZ reported that Chris argued in court that Shanelle was an unfit guardian for the 14-year-old because she allegedly wants her hands on Ariel’s money. However, Shanelle specifically did not ask for control of or access to Ariel’s finances when she was granted custody yesterday.
The case has turned into a circus, with Winter’s older brother, Jimmy Workman, first defending then turning on his mother — and Winter’s estranged father, Glenn Workman, saying that he wants to take care of Ariel (his request was denied).