Courtney Stodden expressed gratitude for Jason Alexander's apology and donation to Unchained At Last, a nonprofit focused on ending forced and child marriage in the United States. Stodden had previously called out the "Seinfeld" actor for an "inappropriate" comedy sketch from 2012.
"Accountability isn't about public punishment — it's about taking meaningful steps that can help create change," Stodden wrote on Instagram. She added that her hope extends beyond her personal experience, stating, "If difficult conversations can lead to real support for organizations protecting children and ending child marriage, then something positive can come from something deeply painful."
The sketch in question, from the comedy site Funny or Die, depicted Alexander, then 52, rubbing Stodden's breast with his phone. At the time of filming, Stodden was 17, and Alexander is now 66.
Alexander issued an apology, telling Page Six, "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 added, "But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden. I offer her my sincerest apologies."
TMZ reported that Alexander donated $15,000 to Unchained At Last. Stodden, who was 16 when she married actor Doug Hutchinson in 2011 when he was 51, hopes that Alexander's actions will set a precedent.
"When harm is acknowledged, meaningful action has the power to help others. That's how real change begins," Stodden stated. She encouraged others to support Unchained At Last, saying, "Don't just witness accountability — be part of it. Every donation helps protect the next child."
Stodden, now an advocate, recalled feeling "very taken aback" and "grateful" that Alexander took accountability. She also suggested he support AB 1267, a California assembly bill aimed at banning child marriage.
Reflecting on the sketch, Stodden described feeling "manipulated" and in "shock," likening the scene to a "Pretty Woman"-esque recreation with a minor. She stated that she trusted the adults around her at the time and now views the incident as "really damaging."
Stodden emphasized that speaking out now is not solely about revisiting the past but about striving for a future where children are better protected and adults in positions of power are held to a higher standard.