Jason Alexander Apologizes and Donates $15K After Courtney Stodden Calls Out Inappropriate 2012 Sketch

Courtney Stodden made waves this week by resurfacing a 2012“Funny or Die”sketch that she filmed with Seinfeld actor Jason Alexander when she was just 17 years old. In the controversial comedy bit titled“The Don Clay Show with Courtney Stodden,”Alexander repeatedly rubbed his phone across her chest while making jokes about getting a“signal.”He also made inappropriate comments about taking her behind the couch when she turned 18. What makes this especially problematic is that Stodden, as a minor, had no legal power to consent to participating in the sketch. Her then-husband, Doug Hutchison, signed all the contracts and handled her paycheck, leaving her with no agency in the decision.

Alexander responded to the callout by issuing a public apology to Page Six, acknowledging that the sketch was inappropriate and expressing deep regret for any harm caused. Rather than dismissing Stodden’s concerns or getting defensive, the 66-year-old actor took accountability. When Stodden suggested he support Unchained At Last, an organization dedicated to fighting child marriage, Alexander followed through with a $15,000 donation. Stodden herself stated that she appreciated his public apology, noting that it was“the first step in change.”

This moment opens a larger conversation about power dynamics in Hollywood, how young performers are protected on set, and what real accountability looks like. The sketch never should have been made in the first place, but Alexander’s response demonstrates that owning your mistakes and backing them up with action still matters. As more people speak up about uncomfortable experiences in entertainment, the industry is being forced to reckon with its past. What do you think about how Alexander handled this? Was the apology and donation enough, or does Hollywood need to do more to protect young talent?