Jason Alexander Apologizes to Courtney Stodden for... 2026

Jason Alexander has publicly apologized to Courtney Stodden for a 2012 Funny or Die sketch in which he rubbed a phone on her breasts when she was 17, calling it “inappropriate” and expressing regret. The apology comes after Stodden, now 31, posted a powerful statement criticizing the adults who enabled the sketch and highlighting the broader issue of child marriage in the United States.

The Sketch and the Apology

The controversial sketch, filmed when Stodden was a minor, featured Alexander playing a daytime TV doctor who makes crude jokes about her body. In the video, Alexander’s character says he has “full bars” in her chest but “not getting anything” in her head. Alexander, then 52, was one of the writers credited for the sketch.

On Monday, Stodden shared her perspective, writing: “Looking back now, I don’t see comedy. I see a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke.” She emphasized that she could not legally consent to participate, yet dozens of adults approved the content.

Alexander responded via the Hollywood Reporter, stating: “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.

Child Marriage Laws in the Spotlight

Stodden’s experience is part of a larger conversation about child marriage in the United States. She married actor Doug Hutchison in 2011 when she was 16 and he was 51. The marriage was legal because her parents consented. Child marriage remains legal in 33 states with parental or judicial approval. Stodden has since become an advocate for raising the minimum marriage age to 18.

Key Takeaways

• Jason Alexander apologized for a sketch that sexualized a minor.
• Courtney Stodden continues to speak out against child marriage.
• Child marriage is still legal in 33 U.S. states with parental consent.
• The incident underscores the need for better legal protections for minors in entertainment.

FAQ

Stodden’s brave statement and Alexander’s apology have reignited discussions about the protection of minors in entertainment and marriage. As more states move to ban child marriage, advocates hope the conversation continues until all children are legally safeguarded.