Courtney Stodden Says Doug Hutchison 'Took Advantage' Of Her As A Child
By Mike Walters on March 3, 2020 at 9:59 AM EST
Gettyimages | Paul Archuleta
Courtney Stodden is finally breaking her silence on the marriage and subsequent divorce with actor Doug Hutchison, and she says he "absolutely taken advantage" of her by marrying her while she as still a minor.
Stodden issued a statement on Instagram, following the finalization of the couple's divorce. The reality star posted a picture of the ex-couple while they were still married, and addressed the issues which many people questioned when it first happened.
At the time, Stodden says she was completely trapped and manipulated by adults and no child should be put in that position.
"It’s March 3rd, 2020 - today I am officially divorced from actor Doug Hutchison. It’s an emotional day for me. God only knows how he’s feeling, but I can tell you that it’s for the better. I look back at this picture and feel absolutely taken advantage of," she wrote.
She continued, "I’ve been scared to even speak up about feeling groomed or being verbally abused during the almost 10-year marriage because I was a child and he was 50 when we married but I’m a woman now and it’s time for me to put my big girl pants on and speak on this matter."
It's clear Courtney is being careful with her language not to accuse Doug of any crime, as you know, the couple's marriage was signed off on by Stodden's mother, making it completely legal.
"I’ve felt completely trapped and manipulated by adults // growing up in such an environment — it became a lonely and dark place. Stay tuned for my book," she said.
In a bit of a confusing turn, Courtney then admits she will always love Doug, regardless of how she feels about his past behavior.
"And to Doug... I’ll always love you; yet I’ll always be angry. You’ve left me — a child woman, feeling belittled and confused. These things I shall overcome. I wish you well," she writes.
In the end, Stodden issues a warning to Doug or anyone considering getting into a situation like theirs, saying, "But please don’t ever do this to another minor again. It’s not right... even if the parent signs off. Wait a respectable amount of time before marrying. Children aren’t on your level. I’ll always love you regardless. Be better. As shall I."
As we reported, the couple made headlines in 2011 after the actor married Courtney Stodden when she was just 16 years old. At the time, Doug was 50, and her parents gave permission for them to be married.
The couple announced in 2016, they were having a baby, but unfortunately, Courtney suffered a miscarriage.
So far, Doug has not commented on the situation.
