Seinfeld star Jason Alexander has issued an apology after reality TV star Courtney Stodden publicly called out the comedian over an “inappropriate” sketch they filmed when she was 17.

Stodden, now 31, shared a lengthy Instagram post last week, reflecting on the experience and condemning the skit.

She first drew international attention in 2011 after marrying 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison at age 16.

Know the news with the 7NEWS app: Download today

In her Instagram post, Stodden revisited a 2012 Ride Or Die skit she appeared in with Alexander, which also featured Hutchinson.

She posted an image of herself from the comedy sketch dressed in a bikini as Alexander, then 52, touched her breast with a phone.

Stodden shared an image from the 2012 skit, which Alexander has since apologised for the ‘inappropriate’ comedy sketch. Credit: Instagram

“I was 17 years old in this photo,” Stodden said.

“The older I get, the more impossible this is to understand.

“During this comedy sketch, Jason Alexander repeatedly rubbed his phone across my breasts while saying there was ‘no signal’ in my head but ‘plenty of signal’ in my chest.

“Later in the sketch, he joked that when I turned 18 he’d like to take me behind the couch and ‘have his way’ with me.”

The skit, a parody of Dr. Phil and similar daytime talk shows, featured Stodden and Hutchison seeking couple’s therapy from Alexander’s character, Donny Clay.

“IMDb credits him as one of the writers of the episode,” Stodden continued.

“As an adult, that fact has become harder — not easier — for me to understand.”

Alexander featured in the sketch, but Stodden claims she didn’t have the ‘legal power’ to say no at the age of 17. Credit: AAP, Instagram

Stodden also pushed back on claims she willingly participated in the sketch.

“I was a minor. I didn’t have the legal power to decide whether I wanted to participate,” she said.

“The contracts were signed by adults. The paycheck went to Doug. The production moved forward.

“I was the only child in the room.

“Looking back now, I don’t see comedy. I see a 17-year-old girl whose body became part of an adult joke.”

Her relationship with Hutchinson was later chronicled by the television movie I Was a Child Bride.

Stodden’s public profile led to numerous reality TV appearances, including on Celebrity Big Brother.

Stodden and Hutchison divorced in 2020.

Alexander, now 66, has since issued an apology to Stodden.

“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,” Alexander said in a statement to NBC News.

“But more importantly, I am deeply sorry for any harm or distress it has caused Ms. Stodden.

“I offer her my sincerest apologies.”

TMZ also reported the comedian and actor has made a donation to a charity chosen by Stodden.

The US media outlet claimed Alexander donated $US15,000 ($21,000) to Unchained At Last, an organisation to end child marriage and forced marriage.

Alexander’s spokesman told TMZ he had submitted the payment but declined to share how much he donated.

Stodden has since shared another post thanking Alexander for his donation and apology.

In recent years, Stodden has become an advocate speaking out against child marriage and exploitation within the media industry. Credit: Instagram

“I want to sincerely thank him for choosing to turn words into action,” Stodden said.

“Accountability isn’t about public punishment — it’s about taking meaningful steps that can help create change.”

In recent years, Stodden has become an advocate speaking out against child marriage and exploitation within the media industry.

“My hope has always been bigger than my own story,” Stodden said.

“If difficult conversations can lead to real support for organisations protecting children and ending child marriage, then something positive can come from something deeply painful.”

— With NBC