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Credit: Disney The Disney Channel has launched countless young performers into successful careers, creating household names and beloved characters that generations of viewers grew up watching. For many child actors, the Disney brand represents wholesome entertainment and family values, making their association with the company a significant part of their public identity even years after their time with the network ends.
But when former stars face serious legal troubles, it creates a jarring disconnect between the innocent characters they once portrayed and the reality of their adult lives. This week, that disconnect became impossible to ignore as news broke about one High School Musical actor’s arrest on deeply disturbing charges.
Matt Prokop, 35, who appeared in Disney’s High School Musical franchise and built a career on family-friendly programming, was arrested on December 24 in Victoria County, Texas, according to an employee at the Victoria County Jail who confirmed the information to PEOPLE. The charges he faces paint a troubling picture that extends far beyond typical legal issues former child stars sometimes encounter as they navigate life after early fame.
The Charges Against Prokop
According to jail records and reports first published by TMZ, Prokop faces multiple charges that span both misdemeanor and felony offenses. The misdemeanor charges include one count of violation of bond related to a protective order, one count of evading arrest or detention, and two counts of resisting arrest, search or transportation.
The most serious charge Prokop faces is one count of second-degree felony possession of child pornography. This charge alone carries significant legal consequences and represents a deeply serious criminal allegation. As of the latest reports, Prokop remains housed in the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office Jail, though it remains unclear when he will make his first court appearance to address these charges.
The timing of the arrest on Christmas Eve adds another layer to an already disturbing situation, with law enforcement taking action during what is typically a time focused on family and celebration.
A History of Abuse Allegations
For those who followed Prokop’s personal life beyond his Disney career, these charges arrive against a backdrop of previous serious allegations. Prokop dated actress Sarah Hyland, best known for her role as Haley Dunphy on the hit sitcom Modern Family, for five years. That relationship ended in 2014 under circumstances that Hyland later detailed in court filings seeking a restraining order.
According to court documents previously obtained by PEOPLE, Hyland accused Prokop of both verbal and physical abuse throughout their relationship. She claimed that in May 2014, Prokop allegedly slammed her into a vehicle and choked her during an argument. The situation escalated further in August 2014 when Hyland’s Modern Family costar Julie Bowen intervened to help her end the relationship.
Per Hyland’s restraining order filing, Prokop allegedly responded to the breakup by threatening to kill her dog and burn down her house. These threats prompted Hyland to secure a restraining order against him the following month in September 2014.
Bowen has spoken publicly about her role in helping Hyland leave the relationship, recalling the experience of supporting her on-screen daughter through an incredibly difficult time. Hyland herself has rarely discussed the relationship in detail since obtaining the restraining order, though she opened up slightly in an October 2024 interview with Variety.
“I don’t know if that part of any woman will ever be fully healed from that. It’s something that kind of scars her soul a little bit,” Hyland told the publication. “It’s more so putting love towards that scar instead of hating it and ignoring it.”
The Disney Connection
Prokop’s association with Disney came through his role in the High School Musical franchise, which became a cultural phenomenon and launched the careers of stars like Zac Efron, Vanessa Hudgens, and Ashley Tisdale. The franchise represented Disney Channel’s ability to create programming that resonated with tweens and teens while maintaining the wholesome brand identity the company carefully cultivates.
When former Disney stars face legal troubles, it inevitably raises questions about child stardom, the pressures of early fame, and what happens when young performers transition to adult life outside the protective bubble of family entertainment. However, the serious nature of the charges Prokop faces goes well beyond the typical narrative of former child stars struggling with the pressures of early fame.
What Happens Next
As Prokop remains in custody awaiting his court appearance, the legal process will determine how these charges proceed. Second-degree felony charges carry substantial potential sentences if convicted, particularly for offenses involving child exploitation. The additional misdemeanor charges related to resisting arrest and violating protective order conditions suggest complications during his apprehension by law enforcement.
The case will likely unfold over the coming weeks and months as prosecutors and defense attorneys work through the legal system. Given the nature of the charges, particularly the felony count, this case will draw continued attention both because of Prokop’s Disney connection and the severity of what he’s accused of.
For Hyland, who has moved forward with her life and career since ending her relationship with Prokop over a decade ago, these new allegations serve as a reminder of a painful chapter she’s worked to move past. She married Wells Adams in 2022 and has continued building her career in Hollywood.
Resources for Those Who Need Help
This case touches on two serious issues that affect countless individuals. If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, the National Domestic Violence Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-800-799-7233, or online at thehotline.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential, with services available in more than 170 languages.
If you suspect child abuse or exploitation, contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or visit www.childhelp.org. This hotline is also available 24/7 in more than 170 languages, with all calls remaining toll-free and confidential.
These aren’t easy topics to discuss, but they’re important ones. If this story brings up difficult memories or feelings for you, please reach out to the resources above. And if you’ve followed Sarah Hyland’s journey or have thoughts on how we talk about abuse allegations when new charges emerge years later, share your perspective in the comments. These conversations matter, uncomfortable as they might be.