Former Disney Channel actor Matt Prokop is being held in a Texas jail without bail after being charged with possession or promotion of child pornography, a shocking development that has prompted his ex-girlfriend to speak out about alleged years of abuse.
Arrest and Serious Charges
The 35-year-old actor, known for roles in Geek Charming and High School Musical 3: Senior Year, was initially arrested on Christmas Eve in Texas for violating bond conditions, evading arrest, and resisting arrest. According to reports from TMZ and People, he is currently detained at the Victoria County Jail.
An additional and more severe charge was added on December 31, when a warrant was signed for 'possession or promotion of child pornography', as confirmed by local news outlet Crossroads Today. This charge has escalated the legal situation significantly, leading to the decision to hold him without the possibility of bail.
Ex-Girlfriend Breaks Her Silence
In the wake of these charges, Prokop's former partner has given a statement to the Daily Mail, detailing a painful history. "After many years of abuse, the effects are still very real and continue to impact my life," she said. The pair reportedly met on social media when she was young but did not begin a relationship until she was an adult, later becoming engaged in January 2024.
She is now focusing on private healing but emphasised the gravity of the situation. "Taking this time does not lessen the seriousness or harm of his actions. As more information comes out, I ask that all victims be treated with care, dignity, and respect," her statement concluded. The Daily Mail has contacted Prokop's representatives for comment regarding these allegations.
A History of Alleged Violence and Past Restraining Order
This is not the first time Prokop has faced serious legal trouble related to abusive behaviour. In May 2024, he was arrested in Texas for allegedly assaulting his then-girlfriend. Victoria Police Department reports indicated the woman sustained injuries after Prokop allegedly pushed her and slammed her head into an object. He reportedly tried to flee from officers during the arrest.
Prior to that, his most famous ex-girlfriend, actress and former Disney co-star Sarah Hyland, obtained a permanent restraining order against him in 2014 after a six-year relationship. In court documents, Hyland described years of verbal and physical abuse, including an incident where he allegedly choked her until she could not breathe. She credited her Modern Family co-star Julie Bowen with helping her end the relationship.
In an interview with Variety in October 2024, Hyland, without naming Prokop, spoke about the lasting trauma of domestic violence, stating she is still sometimes "triggered" and that such experiences "scar her soul." She advocated for more open conversation to help victims feel less isolated.
As the new child pornography charge proceeds, authorities continue their investigation. The case has cast a dark shadow over the former star's career and brought renewed attention to the serious allegations made by women from his past.
