Jason Alexander (Seinfeld): publicly apologized to Courtney Stodden for a 2012 sketch where he, at age 52, rubbed a phone on her breasts and made inappropriate jokes when she was 17.
Stodden reposted the clip: this week, saying she now sees "a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke" and questioned how so many adults allowed it.
Alexander said he "truly regrets": the sketch and offered his "sincerest apologies" for any harm caused.
Stodden appreciated the apology: but urged Alexander to take action by supporting **AB 1267**, a California bill that would ban child marriage by making 18 the legal minimum age to wed.
Child marriage remains legal in 33 U.S. states: with parental consent or judicial waiver. It was legal in every state until 2018.
Why this matters:: This case highlights how minors in the entertainment industry have historically been exploited with little legal protection, and Stodden's advocacy is pushing for systemic change.
The Funny or Die sketch featured Alexander as a lecherous talk-show host who rubbed his phone on Stodden's chest, claiming there was "plenty of signal" there while "no signal" in her head. He later joked that once she turned 18, he'd like to take her "behind the couch." At the time, Stodden was a minor, and Alexander was 52 — old enough to be her grandfather.
Stodden, who married actor Doug Hutchison (then 51) in 2011 when she was just 16, told *Variety* that she didn't even know Alexander was going to touch her on set. "I was very manipulated," she said. "Even if I didn't look like a child, or what a 'victim' should look like, there was a child buried under there."
This was not the only instance of Stodden being exploited as a minor. Dr. Drew Pinsky performed an ultrasound on her breasts on his show *Lifechangers* when she was 16 to "prove they were real." Stodden notes that Dr. Drew never apologized — and instead "doubled down."
While Stodden has received public apologies from Chrissy Teigen (for cyberbullying) and now Jason Alexander, she says meaningful action is what truly matters.
Stodden is now working with Unchained At Last, the only U.S. nonprofit dedicated to ending child marriage, to push for California's AB 1267 — a bill that would make 18 the minimum legal age to marry.
"It's really frightening that there's no minimum age for someone to get married in California," Stodden told *Variety*. Only two other states — Mississippi and New Mexico — allow the same loophole.
Stodden and other survivors plan to visit the California State Capitol again to speak with legislators. She is also finishing her memoir and may participate in a docuseries about her fight.
> *"I don't want to be remembered for what happened to me. I want to be remembered for helping make sure that this doesn't happen again to another child."* — Courtney Stodden
What did Jason Alexander apologize for?
He apologized for a 2012 Funny or Die sketch called "The Donny Clay Show" where he, at age 52, rubbed a phone on 17-year-old Courtney Stodden's breasts and made inappropriate jokes about her turning 18.
Did Stodden accept the apology?
She said she "appreciated" the public apology but noted that a private apology and meaningful action — such as supporting California's AB 1267 child marriage ban — would be even more powerful.
What is AB 1267?
AB 1267 is a California bill that would effectively ban child marriage by making 18 the legal minimum age to wed. Currently, California has no minimum age for marriage with parental consent.
How many U.S. states allow child marriage?
Child marriage with parental consent or judicial waiver remains legal in 33 U.S. states. It was legal in every state until 2018.
Who is Courtney Stodden?
Courtney Stodden is a reality TV personality who made headlines in 2011 when she married 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at age 16. She is now 31, divorced, and an advocate against child marriage.
Be aware of the legal landscape:: Child marriage is still legal in 33 U.S. states with parental consent. Know the laws in your state.
Support advocacy efforts:: Organizations like **Unchained At Last** are working to end child marriage nationwide. Consider supporting their efforts.
Recognize exploitation in media:: This case serves as a reminder of how minors in entertainment can be vulnerable to adult exploitation under the guise of "comedy" or entertainment.
Who this affects most:: Teenagers, particularly girls, in states with weak child marriage laws are most at risk. Parents and guardians should be aware of the legal loopholes that exist.
How to help:: If you're in California, contact your state representatives to voice support for **AB 1267**. If you're in another state, check your local child marriage laws.
This story raises important questions about accountability, exploitation, and legal reform. Do you think public apologies from celebrities are enough, or should they be expected to take concrete action? Let us know in the comments below!
Share this article with others who need to stay ahead of this trend!
<div class="social-share-buttons">
</div>
Ecuadorian television host **Alejandra Jaramillo** has finally broken her silence following the confirmation of her departure from the popul...
A new documentary premiering July 22, 2026 on Hulu and Disney+ follows 26-year-old actress and filmmaker Sophia Maddox as she discovers that...
*Big Brother* Season 28 has stormed back onto CBS with a blockbuster premiere, delivering the franchise's best audience numbers in five year...
Mindy Kaling has been making waves on two fronts this summer. On one hand, her effortlessly chic fashion choices — specifically a gold Chane...
⚠ Disclaimer: Yanuki provides article summaries and links for reference only. Yanuki does not endorse, verify, or guarantee the accuracy of third-party sources. Please review original sources and verify information independently. Managed by the Yanuki Data Engine. Full Disclaimer