Seinfeld star Jason Alexander addresses accusation of inappropriate behavior with Courtney Stodden: 'I truly regret it'

Jason Alexander, the veteran actor best known for his role as George Costanza in the iconic NBC sitcom Seinfeld, has recently found himself at the center of a heated controversy following an accusation of inappropriate behavior made by former child actress Courtney Stodden.

The events in question took place in 2012 when Stodden, who was just 17 years old at the time, appeared in a comedy sketch titled 'The Don Clay Show with Courtney Stodden' on the popular comedy website Funny or Die.

In the sketch, Alexander, who was 52 at the time, is seen rubbing his phone on Stodden's breasts and joking that once she turned 18, he would 'have his way' with her.

Stodden, who is now 31 years old, recently posted a screenshot from the sketch on her Instagram account and shared her thoughts on the experience, stating that 'I see a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke'.

She went on to explain that at the time, she was a minor and did not have the legal power to decide whether she wanted to participate in the sketch. The contracts were signed by adults, and the paycheck went to her then-husband, actor Doug Hutchison, who was 51 at the time and had married Stodden when she was just 16 years old.

The production of the sketch moved forward, leaving Stodden feeling 'like the only child in the room' and 'so alone.' She expressed her feelings on Instagram, asking herself, 'How did so many adults look at a minor and decide this was acceptable?'

Following Stodden's post, Alexander released a statement apologizing for his actions and expressing his regret for any harm or distress he may have caused. He stated, '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.'

This is not the first time Stodden has spoken out about the experiences she had during her time in the entertainment industry. In the past, she has criticized industry professionals for their treatment of her and other minors, and has called for greater accountability and change.

The recent apology from Alexander marks a long-overdue acknowledgment of his actions and serves as a stark reminder of the power dynamics at play in the entertainment industry.

As the conversation around accountability and consent continues to evolve, it is essential that industry professionals take responsibility for their actions and acknowledge the harm they may have caused.

The fact that this controversy has resurfaced nearly a decade after the events in question took place highlights the need for ongoing dialogue and education on these issues.