Keith Girard
Sarah Hyland was reduced to tears after a man groped her at a fan meet and greet in Australia. (Photo by Lisa Maree Williams/Getty Images)
The event in Sydney included cast members from her show “Modern Family.”
A man asked the actress to pose for a photo and allegedly grabbed her breast. The alleged assailant, who was arrested, was only identified as a 29-year-old man.
A police investigation is continuing.
Sorry to all the fans outside the #qantas event that I didn't get to say hi to but I had to leave due to an inappropriate touch of a fan
— Sarah Hyland (@Sarah_Hyland) February 20, 2014
“Sorry to all the fans outside the #qantas event that I didn’t get to say hi to but I had to leave due to an inappropriate touch of a fan,” Hyland Tweeted afterward.
Hyland and the show’s cast have been filming in Australia for a special holiday episode. The meet and greet was hosted by Qantas Airlines at The Sebel Pier One in Sydney.
After the man groped her, Hyland pushed him away and reportedly screamed “Don’t touch me there!” She pointed the man out as security stepped in and grabbed him for questioning by police.
Hyland left the event through a rear door in tears, according reports in local newspapers.
Boyfriend Matt Prokop also reacted angrily. “To the asshole who assaulted Sarah tonight I hope to God you don’t see [me] next week,” he Tweeted.
Cast members Sofia Vergara, Ed O’Neill, Rico Rodriguez, Nolan Gould and Hyland arrived in Sydney ahead of filming in Australia on Monday (Feb. 17) and were greeted at the airport without incident.
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