ANTHONY McCARTNEY
AP Entertainment Writer
LOS ANGELES (AP) — The ex-boyfriend of actress Sarah Hyland was ordered to stay away from the “Modern Family” star after she said he choked and threatened her.
Hyland, 23, obtained the temporary restraining order on Friday after stating in court papers that actor Matt Prokop had been verbally and physically abusive.
Prokop was ordered to stay 100 yards away from the actress, her home, workplace and dog, and not attempt to contact her. An Oct. 10 hearing was set.
Hyland wrote that Prokop pinned her to her car in May.
“He placed both of his hands around my throat and began to choke me,” Hyland wrote. “His grip was so tight that I could not breathe or speak. I was scared and in fear for my life.”
Hyland said she did not report the incident to police because Prokop was apologetic and said he would never do it again.
A receptionist for Prokop’s agent Tyler Grasham said they had no comment on the allegations. Prokop is not facing any criminal charges.
Prokop, 24, co-starred with Hyland in the TV movie “Geek Charming” and appeared in one episode of “Modern Family.” He also appeared in “High School Musical 3.”
The actress wrote that she tried to end the relationship for several weeks but ultimately had to enlist the help of “Modern Family” actress Julie Bowen and others. Bowen, who plays Hyland’s on-screen mom, was present on Aug. 16 to help Hyland peacefully end the relationship before Prokop went into rehab the next day, the court filings state.
Prokop, however, made comments that his ex-girlfriend should be made to suffer so much she would kill herself, the court filings state.
Later that day, Prokop went to a house Hyland is building and threatened to drive through the garage door, set it on fire, and harm the actress’ Maltipoo dog, named Barkley Bixby, the records state.
Prokop entered rehab the next day and was scheduled to be discharged over the weekend. Hyland’s declaration states the rehab director advised her to get a restraining order due to Prokop’s mental state and attitude toward her.
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Anthony McCartney can be reached at http://twitter.com/mccartneyAP
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