Jason Alexander, the 66-year-old actor known for his role in Seinfeld, has issued a public apology to reality TV personality Courtney Stodden, aged 31, following her criticism of a comedic sketch they collaborated on when she was a minor. Stodden revealed on Instagram that she was 17 years old during the filming of the Funny or Die sketch, a parody of daytime talk shows like Dr. Phil.
The sketch involved Alexander comically using his cellphone on Stodden’s chest, jokingly citing it as the area with the best signal. Stodden shared a screenshot of the sketch from 2012, expressing her bewilderment over the incident as she grew older.
In her post, Stodden recounted how Alexander repeatedly made inappropriate remarks and gestures towards her, indicating that he desired a romantic encounter once she turned 18. She emphasized her discomfort with the situation, highlighting the inappropriate nature of the content.
Acknowledging the controversy, Alexander tendered an apology to Stodden through various media outlets, expressing regret over his involvement in the sketch. He recognized the inappropriateness of the content and extended his sincere apologies for any distress caused to Stodden.
Stodden, who gained widespread attention in 2011 for marrying actor Doug Hutchison at 16 while he was 51, has since become an advocate against child marriage and the exploitation of minors in the entertainment industry. Reflecting on her past experiences, she emphasized the need for legal protection for children and the prevention of such exploitative situations.