‘Seinfeld’ Actor Jason Alexander Apologizes to Courtney Stodden for “Inappropriate” Sketch Filmed When She Was Underage - The Hollywood Reporter

What the report says

The Hollywood Reporter reported that Jason Alexander has publicly apologized to Courtney Stodden over a 2012 Funny or Die sketch filmed when Stodden was 17. In the sketch, the “Seinfeld” actor placed and rubbed a cellphone over Stodden’s chest as part of a joke about phone reception. Alexander said in a statement to THR that, in retrospect, the sketch was inappropriate, that he regrets it, and that he is sorry for harm or distress caused to Stodden.

After coverage of Alexander’s apology, Stodden told THR that they appreciated the public statement but said Alexander had not apologized privately. Stodden added that a private apology would matter, but urged him to take “meaningful action” by supporting Unchained at Last and efforts connected to AB 1267, which Stodden framed as part of a fight to end child marriage.

The issue resurfaced after Stodden posted on Instagram on Monday about the sketch, sharing an image from it and writing that they were underage at the time. Stodden said adults signed the contracts, that the paycheck went to then-husband Doug Hutchison, and that they felt isolated as the only child involved. THR noted Stodden married Hutchison, an actor known for “The Green Mile,” when Stodden was 16 and he was 51.

The report matters because it ties a past entertainment sketch to broader questions about minors’ participation in adult-oriented media, consent, and legal protections for children. Stodden’s response shifts the focus from an individual apology to advocacy around child marriage laws and accountability by adults in production settings.