Jason Alexander Apologizes to Courtney Stodden

Jason Alexander is looking back at a 14-year-old comedy bit and saying he crossed a line. The Seinfeld alum has publicly apologized to Courtney Stodden for a 2012 Funny or Die sketch in which he pressed a cellphone against the then-17-year-old's chest and made sexual jokes about her turning 18. Alexander had this statement for the Hollywood Reporter:

• "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, who married 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison in 2011 at age 16 and has since spoken out about child exploitation, said she appreciates the public apology but hasn't received a private one, notes the New York Times. More than words, she said, she wants "meaningful action," urging Alexander to support Unchained at Last and California legislation AB 1267 to help end child marriage. On Instagram, Stodden described feeling isolated on set, stressing that as a minor she lacked legal power over her participation while her very adult husband signed contracts and collected payment. "I don't see comedy," she wrote. "I see a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke."