Jason Alexander: Seinfeld actor apologises to Courtney Stodden for ‘inappropriate’ sketch when she was 17

In a statement to US publications including Variety, Anderson said: “Looking back at the comedy skit that Ms. Stodden and I participated in in 2012, I completely agree that it was inappropriate and I truly regret it.

“But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress this has caused Ms. Stodden. I offer her my sincerest apologies.”

Stodden, 31, is currently campaigning in California to pass a bill that would ban child marriage by setting the legal minimum age at 18.

Stodden married 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison in 2011, when she was just 16 years old.

The marriage was legal because his family gave permission. Stodden and Hutchison divorced in 2020.

Marriage at age 16 or 17 remains legal with parental consent or judicial order in 33 US states. It was legal in every state until 2018.

Stodden told the Hollywood Reporter that he “appreciated” Alexander’s apology.

“People keep asking if he apologized privately, but he didn’t,” he continued. “A private apology can be meaningful, but a meaningful action will be even more powerful.

“If he is truly remorseful about what happened, I invite him to support him.” [campaign group] We Are Finally Unchained and the fight to end child marriage through AB 1267. This is how we turn accountability into lasting change.”

Alexander played George Costanza on Seinfeld and also appeared on ER, Pretty Woman, and Shallow Hal.

Stodden has appeared on reality shows such as Couples Therapy, Celebrity Big Brother, Reality Ex-Wives and Celebs Go Dating.