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

In a statement issued to US publications including Variety, Anderson said: “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.

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

Stodden, 31, is currently campaigning for California to pass a bill that would ban child marriage by making the legal minimum age 18 years old.

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

The marriage was legal because her parents gave permission. Stodden and Hutchison divorced in 2020.

Marrying aged 16 or 17 remains legal in 33 US states with parental consent or a judicial waiver. It was legal in every state until 2018.

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

“People keep asking if he’s apologised privately, and he hasn’t,” she continued. “A private apology would be meaningful, but meaningful action would be even more powerful.

“If he truly regrets what happened, I’d invite him to support [campaign group] Unchained At Last and the fight to end child marriage through AB 1267. That’s how we turn accountability into lasting change.”

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

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