Courtney Stodden urges Jason Alexander to back California child-marriage ban after apology

Jason Alexander issued a public apology for a 2012 Funny or Die sketch in which he touched the breast of then-17-year-old Courtney Stodden and suggested a future sexual encounter once she turned 18. In a statement, the actor said he "completely agree[s] that it was inappropriate and I truly regret it" and expressed remorse for any distress caused.

Stodden, now 31, thanked Alexander for taking responsibility but urged him to translate his words into action. She told Variety that while his apology was a first step, she would like him to support California Assembly Bill 1267, which would set the minimum marriage age at 18 with no exceptions, and consider donating to the advocacy group Unchained at Last.

AB 1267 aims to end child marriage in the state. Stodden, who was married to actor Doug Hutchison at age 16, has become an advocate against minors being married or exploited. She highlighted that she was a minor when the sketch was produced, noting that contracts were signed by adults and she had no legal authority to consent.