Jason Alexander Apologizes to Courtney Stodden for “Inappropriate” Bit

Jason Alexander apologized to Courtney Stodden for his role in a 2012 Funny or Die sketch featuring Stodden’s ex-husband Doug Hutchison. In the video, Alexander touches the then-17-year-old’s breasts.ByJul 22, 2026 11:21 PMTagsCourtney Stodden Defends Chrissy Teigen Against Bullying Years After FeudJason Alexander regrets participating in a controversial sketch featuring Courtney Stodden. During Stodden’s high-profile marriage to Doug Hutchison—which began when she was 16 and he was 51—she appeared in a 2012 Funny or Die video sketch featuring her now ex-husband and Alexander. A parody of Dr. Phil and similar talk shows, Alexander plays fictional life coach Donny Clay and interviews the couple about their relationship. At one point, he takes his phone camera to Stodden’s breasts and fondles her, noting that there’s no cell signal in her head but “full bars” in her chest. But after Stodden, who was 17 at the time, recently reflected on how the experience negatively impacted her, the Seinfeld alum is apologizing for his role in the sketch. “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 said in a statement to E! News. “But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden. I offer her my sincerest apologies."In her post, the now 31-year-old expressed horror at the fact that her “body became part of an adult joke” when she was underage. “I was a minor,” she captioned her July 20 Instagram post, which featured a still of Alexander touching her breast. “I didn’t have the legal power to decide whether I wanted to participate. The contracts were signed by adults. The paycheck went to Doug. The production moved forward. I was the only child in the room. I felt so alone.” E! News has reached out to Hutchison’s rep for comment but has not heard back.Unique Nicole/Getty ImagesAfter finalizing her divorce from Hutchison in March 2020, Stodden denounced their union, calling the relationship “grooming” in a 2021 interview with The Daily Beast. Although he has not commented on that characterization, he previously told Fox News in February 2020, “Courtney and I got married legally in a church to consummate our union… But after the backlash, we had two choices—hide under a rock or not. Despite our unconventional union, we were in love.” Since ending her relationship, Stodden has become an outspoken advocate against allowing anyone under 18 to receive a marriage license. “How did so many adults look at a minor and decide this was acceptable?” she continued in her post about the Funny or Die sketch. “That’s exactly why I speak out today. Children deserve laws that protect them. They shouldn’t have to become adults before realizing the law should have protected them all along.”For the latest breaking news updates, click here to download the E! News App