In a recent interview on Jennie Garth’s I Choose Me podcast, Julie Bowen shared her frustration with the media’s efforts to fabricate a rivalry between her and her Modern Family co-star, Sofía Vergara.
Bowen revealed that she felt pressured by the press to create a false conflict with Vergara, who played her stepmother on the hit sitcom. “They were determined to pit us against each other, as if we hated one another,” Bowen said. “It’s this scarcity mindset that there can only be one happy woman at a time.”
The media’s attempts to spark a feud became so persistent that by the show’s eighth season, rumors of a rivalry were rampant. To combat these claims, Bowen appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show wearing Vergara’s clothes, as a gesture to debunk the false stories.
Bowen recounted the incident, noting that she often received media claims alleging she was envious of Vergara’s fame. In response, she and Vergara decided to address the rumors with humor, with Vergara reportedly suggesting, “Just borrow my blouse!”
Bowen emphasized that the alleged feud was entirely fabricated, expressing her admiration for Vergara’s humor and vibrant personality. “I love Sofía for who she is—funny, self-effacing, and full of life,” Bowen said.
During their time on Modern Family, both actresses received a total of eight Emmy nominations, with Bowen winning in 2011 and 2012. Despite the media’s attempts to create drama, their relationship remained positive and supportive.
Vergara has since become the only core cast member from Modern Family to secure an Emmy nomination for a show after the sitcom’s end.