Actor Jason Alexander issued a public apology to Courtney Stodden following criticism over a 2012 Funny or Die comedy sketch in which Alexander rubbed a cellular phone across Stodden’s breasts while she was a minor. According to a statement provided to Us, the 66-year-old Seinfeld actor acknowledged that the sketch was inappropriate and expressed deep regret for the distress it caused.
The 2012 Comedy Sketch and Public Backlash
The controversy emerged after Stodden, now 31, published a post on Instagram on Monday, July 20, recalling the satirical daytime television sketch. According to Stodden’s social media post, she was 17 years old at the time of the filming and noted that Alexander is credited as a writer of the episode.
During the skit, Alexander used a cell phone to joke about signal strength on Stodden’s body, stating there was “no signal” in her head but “plenty of signal” in her chest. The sketch also featured a joke about taking Stodden behind a couch once she turned 18. In her public statement, Stodden described feeling isolated on set as the only child in the room, noting that adults signed the contracts and her earnings went to her then-husband, Doug Hutchison.
Jason Alexander’s Apology
Responding to the public scrutiny, Alexander issued a direct apology addressing his participation in the segment. “Looking back at the comedy sketch in which Ms. Stodden and I participated in 2012, I completely agree that it was inappropriate and I truly regret it,” Alexander told Us. “But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden. I offer her my sincerest apologies.”
Stodden’s Continued Advocacy and Previous Allegations
Since divorcing Hutchison in 2017, Stodden has actively campaigned against child marriage. In addition to addressing the Funny or Die sketch, Stodden recently made public claims regarding television personality Dr. Drew Pinsky. Stodden alleged via Instagram that Pinsky had her undergo a televised breast examination on his program when she was 16 years old.
Dr. Drew Pinsky has not publicly addressed the allegations. However, Susan Pinsky responded via an Instagram comment indicating a willingness to discuss the matter on their platform, writing, “I would love to talk to her on Ask Drew.”
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Jason Alexander apologizing to?
Jason Alexander is apologizing to Courtney Stodden regarding a 2012 comedy sketch they filmed together.
What was the nature of the 2012 sketch?
The sketch was a Funny or Die parody of daytime television where Alexander made jokes using a cell phone near Stodden’s body. Stodden was 17 years old at the time of filming.
How did Courtney Stodden respond?
Stodden published a statement on Instagram detailing her discomfort as a minor on set and highlighting issues surrounding contracts signed by adults during her youth.
Worth a look