Jason Alexander, best known for playing George Costanza on Seinfeld, has publicly apologized to model Courtney Stodden for a 2012 comedy sketch that featured inappropriate content when she was just 17 years old. The apology comes after Stodden spoke out about the sketch and the broader issue of child marriage in the United States.
The Controversial Sketch
The sketch, produced by Funny or Die in 2012, showed Alexander playing a daytime television doctor who rubs a mobile phone on Stodden's breasts while making suggestive remarks. At the time, Stodden was 17 and legally a minor, though she was already married to actor Doug Hutchison, who was 51. Alexander, then 52, was credited as one of the writers.
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Stodden's Statement
On Monday, Stodden posted a statement on social media reflecting on the sketch. “Looking back now, I don’t see comedy. I see a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke,” she wrote. She emphasized that despite being married, she could not legally make decisions for herself, highlighting the need for stronger protections for minors.
Child Marriage Laws in the US
Stodden’s marriage to Hutchison in 2011 was legal because her parents gave consent. Currently, 33 US states still allow child marriage with parental or judicial approval. Until 2018, child marriage was legal in every state. Stodden has become an outspoken advocate against this practice, calling for laws that protect children from exploitation.
| Year | Number of States Allowing Child Marriage |
|---|---|
| 2017 | 50 |
| 2023 | 33 |
Key Takeaways
- Jason Alexander apologized for the 2012 sketch, calling it inappropriate.
- Courtney Stodden was 17 when the sketch was filmed and legally a minor.
- Child marriage remains legal in 33 US states with parental consent.
- Stodden continues to advocate for stricter laws protecting minors.
Alexander's Apology
Alexander responded to Stodden’s statement by telling the Hollywood Reporter, “Looking back at the comedy sketch in which Ms Stodden and I… it was inappropriate and I truly regret it.” He acknowledged the power imbalance and the harm caused, offering a sincere apology to Stodden.
FAQ
What did Jason Alexander apologize for?
He apologized for a 2012 Funny or Die sketch where he rubbed a phone on Courtney Stodden's breasts when she was 17.
Why was Courtney Stodden married at 16?
She married actor Doug Hutchison with parental consent, which was legal in the US at the time.
Is child marriage still legal in the US?
Yes, in 33 states child marriage is allowed with parental or judicial approval.