Actor Matt Prokop, known for his role in High School Musical 3, has been arrested in Texas on charges including possession of child pornography and other misdemeanors.
The 35-year-old former child star was taken into custody just before the Christmas holiday. The arrest reportedly occurred on Christmas Eve.
Prokop faces multiple charges, including aggravated assault of a family member with a weapon and possession of child pornography as a second-degree felony. The date of his court appearance is currently unknown.
Reports from PEOPLE indicate that the arrest follows allegations of abuse made by his ex-girlfriend, Sarah Hyland. The pair co-starred in the movie “Geek Charming” in 2011. Hyland accused Prokop of verbal and physical abuse during their five-year relationship.
Hyland alleged that Prokop had physically assaulted her by slamming her into a vehicle and choking her during an argument, according to court documents obtained by the publication. Actress Julie Bowen from “Modern Family” reportedly intervened to help Hyland end the relationship.
Following the incidents, Hyland obtained a restraining order against Prokop. The court filing highlighted that Bowen’s intervention led Prokop to make threats against Hyland’s dog and house.
The restraining order required Prokop to maintain a distance of 100 yards from Hyland and her dog at all times. Hyland described the incident in the documents, stating, “His hold was so tight that I couldn’t breathe or speak. I felt scared and in imminent danger,” she recounted.
In 2024, Hyland emphasized the importance of speaking out against abuse in an interview with Variety. She encouraged individuals in abusive relationships to seek support and not allow the abuser to isolate them from others.
Apart from his role in High School Musical 3, Prokop has also appeared in TV series like Hannah Montana, The Office, Good Luck Charlie, and Modern Family.
If you need confidential support, contact the National Domestic Abuse Freephone Helpline at 0808 2000 247 or visit womensaid.co.uk If you or someone you know has been affected by fatal domestic abuse, AAFDA (Advocacy After Fatal Domestic Abuse) provides specialized support and advocacy. For more information, visit www.aafda.org.uk
If you are struggling and need someone to talk to, reach out to the Samaritans helpline at 116 123, available 24/7. You can also email <a aria-label="" class="TextLink_text-link__