Jason Alexander, the 66-year-old actor known for his role in Seinfeld, has issued a public apology to reality TV personality Courtney Stodden, 31, following her accusations on Instagram regarding a controversial comedy sketch they collaborated on when she was a minor.
Stodden revealed that she was 17 years old when she and Alexander filmed a Funny or Die sketch in 2012, which satirized daytime talk shows like Dr. Phil. The sketch depicted Alexander using his cellphone on Stodden’s chest, joking that it was the only place with a good signal.
In a recent Instagram post, Stodden shared a screenshot of the sketch, expressing her confusion and discomfort over the situation. She recounted how Alexander repeatedly ran his phone across her chest, making inappropriate comments about her turning 18 and his intentions.
Stodden also highlighted that Alexander was credited as one of the writers for the episode on IMDB, a detail that has troubled her. She emphasized that looking back, she no longer sees the sketch as comedy but rather as the exploitation of a young girl for adult humor.
Following Stodden’s revelations, Alexander publicly apologized to her through a statement released to various U.S. media outlets. He acknowledged the inappropriateness of the sketch and expressed deep remorse for any harm caused to Stodden, offering his sincere apologies.
Stodden, who gained media attention in 2011 for marrying actor Doug Hutchison at 16, has since divorced and become an advocate against child marriage and the exploitation of minors in the entertainment industry. She emphasized the need for stronger laws to protect children from such situations, reflecting on her own experiences and the importance of speaking out.