Sarah Hyland Fires Back At Ex Manager's 'Modern Family' Earnings Lawsuit Citing 'Agreement Ilegality'

Sarah Hyland is taking a stand in her legal battle against her former manager. The actress has petitioned the California Labor Commissioner to invalidate their alleged agreement, claiming it is illegal and unenforceable.

This heated clash follows her ex-manager's October lawsuit, where he alleged that he was unfairly cut out of Hyland's substantial paychecks from "Modern Family" despite years of representation.

The dispute began when her former manager claimed entitlement to a share of her earnings, but Sarah Hyland is now challenging the legitimacy of their professional agreement in the first place.

The 34-year-old responded to Richard Konigsberg's lawsuit with claims that their contract "was made for an illegal purpose, namely, for [Richard] to act illegally as unlicensed talent agents in violation of California Labor Code."

In her official response, Hyland's legal team further argued that any damages Konigsberg suffered "were directly and proximately caused by the acts, omissions, carelessness, or negligence of [Richard]."

In a new filing, Hyland's motion, filed with the California Labor Commissioner, alleges that their professional agreement is riddled with illegality. The lawsuit stated:

"A controversy has arisen between [Sarah] and [Richard], and [Sarah] seeks a determination and declaration by the Labor Commissioner that the alleged agreement between [Sarah] and [Richard] is permeated with illegality." 

In the documents obtained by In Touch, Hyland claims Konigsberg not only solicited work for her without the necessary credentials but also collected "illegal commissions" for years, including as recently as the past 12 months. She also asked the court to order Feldstein to repay a portion of those commissions.

This legal battle stems from her ex-manager's assertion that he was instrumental in landing her breakout role on the hit sitcom and is demanding what he considers his rightful share.

The Blast reported in October that Konigsberg claims he and Hyland had a longstanding agreement to receive 10% of her earnings from projects he helped secure. 

However, he also alleged that the TV personality abruptly severed ties in April, cutting him out of commission on several significant ventures, including her "Modern Family" paychecks.

Konigsberg's suit included accusations of Hyland renegotiating terms to limit his share to her earnings from "Little Shop of Horrors," excluding her more lucrative ventures.

The actress' meteoric rise on "Modern Family" came with a paycheck to match, so it is not far-fetched why those earnings were at the center of their legal showdown. 

Hyland, who charmed audiences as Haley Dunphy, reportedly earned $15,000 per episode during the sitcom's early days. But as the series gained traction, her salary grew exponentially. By season 4, the actress was taking home $70,000 per episode.

Subsequently, her pay skyrocketed to $125,000 per episode by the time the 11th and final season aired, Cosmopolitan and Looper revealed. This financial success, however, is the main source of contention between Hyland and her embittered ex-manager. 

Much like her professional one, Hyland's personal life faced its share of turmoil. In August, the former "Love Island USA" host became the latest celebrity to fall victim to a home burglary. 

While she was away, her property was broken into through a glass window, triggering her security system. Hyland reportedly watched the entire incident unfold through live surveillance footage on her phone. She saw two masked men casually walk out the front door.

By the time the police arrived, the burglars had already fled the scene. Authorities conducted a thorough search of the property to ensure no one was hiding inside, but they were unable to determine if any items were stolen.

At the time of the incident, Hyland could not confirm what was takenuntil she returned home and completed a detailed inventory.

In 2018, the star made a splash in the real estate market, purchasing a stunning modern farmhouse in Studio City, California, for $3.92 million. 

The two-story mansion was built to impress, offering 5,872 square feet of luxurious living space. With five bedrooms and six-and-a-half bathrooms, the home was the perfect retreat as she prepared for her wedding to former "Bachelorette" contestant Wells Adams.

The home featured details such as a vaulted ceiling in the living room, a sleek floor-to-ceiling fireplace, and large picture windows that flooded the space with natural light. The dining room featured an ebony hardwood ceiling and a chef-worthy kitchen with an oversized island. 

Hyland's primary suite includes a crystal chandelier, aprivate balcony, and its own fireplace. The property also boasted an impressive theater and a pool with an inset spa. 

As the case unfolds, Sarah Hyland appears ready to defend her rights and paychecks.