Julie Bowen candidly delved into the relentless media attempts to concoct a fictitious rivalry between her and her esteemed 'Modern Family' co-star, Sofía Vergara. In a heartfelt conversation on Jennie Garth's podcast 'I Choose Me,' Bowen reminisced about the surreal experience of media outlets manufacturing a feud between the two women who, in reality, have remained steadfast friends.
"I could feel it simmering on the set of 'Modern Family,'" Bowen reminisced. "The press was relentless in trying to cast me and Sofia as some modern-day Betty and Veronica. It was a strange dynamic." She empathetically acknowledged Garth's own experience with such media scrutiny during her days on '90210,' adding, "I recall how they painted you and Shannen [Doherty] in that light too. It's almost like a déjà vu."
The 'Modern Family' veteran then recounted her astonishment upon discovering that Garth and Doherty were, in fact, close friends, after witnessing a lighthearted morning show segment featuring their shopping trip. "It dawned on me then, that we're not getting the full picture in the press. Reality is often distorted."
Turning her focus back to her own experience with Vergara, Bowen lamented, "The press was hellbent on pitting us against each other, as if we loathed each other's existence. But it's a false narrative rooted in scarcity—the misconception that only one woman can thrive at a time." She emphasized, "The truth is, I adore Sofía. I cherish our differences. She's hilarious, self-deprecating, and full of life. Her love for dancing, cake, and all things joyous is infectious."
Bowen confessed that she has long admired Vergara's unapologetic authenticity and the strength she embodies. "Being in her presence has taught me invaluable lessons about being a truly empowered woman, unapologetic about who she is." Yet, she found it deeply disheartening to witness the media perpetuate such a misleading narrative. Despite this, she refused to indulge in the fiction.
Attempting to steer clear of tabloids, Bowen occasionally stumbled upon them while indulging in mundane tasks like grocery shopping, where she would come across baseless stories about their supposed feud. "It was absurd, downright ridiculous," she recalled, shaking her head in disbelief.
This isn't the first time Bowen has addressed this fabricated feud. Back in 2016, on 'The Ellen DeGeneres Show,' she humorously recounted receiving calls and emails alerting her of yet another fabricated article, this time alleging jealousy over Vergara's fame. "I immediately reached out to Sofía via email, and we had a good laugh about it," Bowen shared. Vergara's witty response? "Please, just borrow my blouse for the show!" And so, Bowen graced 'Ellen' in Vergara's off-the-shoulder periwinkle top, a testament to their enduring friendship amidst the media's tumultuous tides.
