Ariel Winter Case — Publicist Claims Mom Tried to Leak Nude Pics of Sister Shanelle

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Ariel Winter‘s mother recently attempted to leak nude photos of Ariel’s sister Shanelle Gray through a Hollywood publicist — this according to the publicist himself, who could end up playing a critical role in the battle for custody of Ariel.

Jonathan Hay tells TMZ … Chrystal Workman — the “Modern Family” star’s mother — contacted him this week, and said she had nude photos of Shanelle she wanted to secretly release to the public.

TMZ broke the story … a judge awarded Shanelle guardianship of 14-year-old Ariel in October after allegations Chrystal was emotionally and physically abusing Ariel.

Hay claims Chrystal hounded him all week about leaking the pics — which he says are 8 or 9 years old — but he refused because he felt like Chrystal was trying to “sell out her daughter” … and he wanted to help Ariel.

Hay says he’s already been contacted by a member of Ariel’s legal team — but adds at this point it’s unclear how much of a role, if any, he will play in the case.

Hay says he would have no problem filing a declaration in support of Ariel — but says he has not been asked to do so yet.

Ariel’s case will be back in court on December 10.