Jason Alexander apologizes for 2012 sketch involving minor Courtney Stodden
The Seinfeld actor said he regrets participating in a 2012 comedy sketch that featured then-17-year-old Courtney Stodden and offered an apology for any distress caused.
Jason Alexander has issued an apology for his role in a 2012 comedy sketch that featured reality-TV personality Courtney Stodden when she was 17. The sketch, produced by Funny or Die and titled “The Donny Clay Show with Courtney Stodden,” parodied daytime talk shows and included a scene in which Alexander, playing host Donny Clay, rubbed an iPhone on Stodden’s breasts and made crude remarks.
Stodden resurfaced the clip in July, noting on Instagram that she had no legal authority to consent to the content and that the contracts were signed by adults. She said the experience left her feeling isolated and called for stronger protections for minors.
“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 media outlets. “But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden. I offer her my sincerest apologies.”
The sketch was filmed during Stodden’s marriage to actor Doug Hutchison, which began when she was 16 and ended in 2020.