It was a courtroom showdown for Modern Family star Ariel Winter.

The 14-year-old actress, who plays brainy Alex Dunphy on the hit show, was in court continuing her battle with her mother.

Ariel's mother, Chrisoula Workman, looked shaken as she stepped out of the Los Angeles Courthouse. She denies abusing her daughter and clutched the hand of Ariel’s father for support.

Ariel's older brother says he hopes his sister and his mother work things out.

"She's a 14-year-old girl. People make mistakes. Children makes mistakes. They can't be held liable for everything they do. It's a learning experience," said Ariel's brother.

In court papers, Ariel accuses her mother of "slapping, hitting, and pushing" her, and of depriving her of food to keep her weight down.