Actor Jason Alexander issued a public apology to model and television personality Courtney Stodden regarding a comedy sketch that aired on Funny or Die in 2012, when Stodden was 17 years old. In a statement provided to The Hollywood Reporter, Alexander characterized the sketch as inappropriate and stated he regretted participating in it, adding that he was deeply sorry for any distress it caused Stodden.
Stodden responded to the apology by acknowledging it but noting that a private apology had not been extended to her. She called for meaningful action rather than words alone, specifically inviting Alexander to support Unchained At Last, an organization focused on ending child marriage, and to back California legislation AB 1267 addressing the issue.
In an Instagram post, Stodden detailed the content of the sketch, describing scenes in which Alexander repeatedly rubbed a phone across her chest while making references to lack of cellular signal in her head. She noted that the sketch included a joke about what Alexander would do once she turned 18. Stodden indicated that Alexander was credited as one of the sketch’s writers, which she said troubled her upon reflection as an adult.
Stodden highlighted the contractual and legal circumstances surrounding her participation, noting that as a minor, she lacked the legal authority to consent to the sketch’s content. She stated that the contracts and associated payments were handled by adults, specifically her then-husband Doug Hutchison, whom she married at age 16 when he was 51. Stodden expressed concern about how multiple adults involved in production approved the sketch’s content involving a minor and used her remarks to advocate for stronger legal protections for children.
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