Seinfeld Star Jason Alexander Apologizes for "Inappropriate" Sketch with Courtney Stodden
Seinfeld Star Jason Alexander Apologizes for "Inappropriate" Sketch with Courtney Stodden
Seinfeld's Jason Alexander expresses "deep regret" for a 2012 sketch with a then-17-year-old Courtney Stodden. Stodden appreciates the apology but seeks action against child marriage. #JasonAlexander #CourtneyStodden
Jason Alexander, widely known for his role as George Costanza in "Seinfeld," has publicly apologized to reality star Courtney Stodden for an "inappropriate" comedy sketch they filmed together in 2012 when Stodden was just 17 years old. In a statement issued to US publications, Alexander admitted, "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." He further expressed deep sorrow for any harm or distress it may have caused Stodden, offering his sincerest apologies.
The controversial sketch took place amidst a challenging period in Stodden's life. At 16, she made headlines for marrying 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison in 2011. This marriage was legally permissible due to parental consent, a practice that remains legal in 33 US states with parental approval or a judicial waiver. It wasn't until 2018 that all states permitted such marriages. Stodden and Hutchison eventually divorced in 2020.
Today, Stodden, now 31, is a vocal advocate against child marriage, actively campaigning for California to pass Assembly Bill 1267 (AB 1267), which aims to raise the legal minimum age for marriage to 18 years old. Responding to Alexander's apology, she told The Hollywood Reporter that she "appreciated" his words but noted he had not apologized privately. Stodden emphasized that while a private apology would be meaningful, "meaningful action would be even more powerful."
She extended an invitation to Alexander, stating, "If he truly regrets what happened, I'd invite him to support [campaign group] Unchained At Last and the fight to end child marriage through AB 1267. That's how we turn accountability into lasting change." This call to action highlights her commitment to leveraging her experiences to bring about legislative reform. Alexander's career also includes roles in "ER," "Pretty Woman," and "Shallow Hal," while Stodden has appeared on reality shows such as "Couples Therapy" and "Celebrity Big Brother."
