Courtney Stodden (FBF)

Summary

Call Her Daddy - Episode: Courtney Stodden (FBF) Summary

Host: Alex Cooper
Guest: Courtney Stodden
Date Released: [Insert Release Date]

---

Introduction

In this emotionally charged episode of Call Her Daddy, host Alex Cooper welcomes Courtney Stodden, a former child bride and reality TV personality, to share her harrowing journey from a 16-year-old exploited into marriage with a man decades her senior to her ongoing path of healing and self-discovery. The conversation delves deep into Courtney's experiences with abuse, public shaming, and her struggle to reclaim her narrative.

Background and Early Life

Courtney begins by providing context about her early life, highlighting the lack of paternal support and intense bullying that led her parents to homeschool her. She reflects on the emotional abandonment by her father and how it shaped her vulnerabilities in later relationships.

Courtney Stodden [10:29]: "I've always loved music. I always wanted to pursue that at a really, really young age. And my mom, she was always very supportive of it."

Meeting Doug Hutchison and Grooming Process

Courtney recounts how her parents introduced her to Doug Hutchison, a 34-year-old acting coach, under the guise of professional mentorship. She emphasizes that her mother was fully aware of Doug's age and intentions, believing she was acting in Courtney's best interest.

Courtney Stodden [15:51]: "He knew what I looked like. He was very much aware of what I looked like. But he claims that he's never known my age. It's not true."

Forced Marriage and Emotional Abuse

After six months of online communication, Courtney met Doug in person, leading to a whirlwind marriage within a week. She describes the emotional turmoil and immediate control Doug exerted over her finances and personal life, trapping her in a cycle of dependency and abuse.

Courtney Stodden [18:03]: "We spoke online and on the phone for six months. And then I met him in person. He came to my hometown... a week later, we got married."

Courtney details the manipulative tactics Doug employed, such as emotional blackmail and control, which made leaving the relationship nearly impossible.

Courtney Stodden [40:34]: "He was extremely emotionally abusive to me. At times physical, but mostly emotionally and abusive because I think that's the ultimate power a groomer has over a child, is that emotional abuse and control."

Public Shaming and Media Scrutiny

The media relentlessly targeted Courtney, leaving her with a damaged reputation and severe mental health struggles. She discusses the impact of public figures like Chrissy Teigen and Courtney Love who contributed to her public humiliation.

Courtney Stodden [43:20]: "The public hate you were getting not only just from random people. Like Chrissy Teigen... she was just obsessed with seeing me die."

Reality TV and Exploitation

Courtney explains her involuntary entry into reality television, orchestrated by Doug to gain financial control. Her participation in shows like Celebrity Big Brother and Mother Daughter Experiment further entrenched her in the abusive relationship, exacerbating her physical and emotional health.

Courtney Stodden [47:33]: "I didn't. My pedophile husband is the one who decided to sign me up for things because he needed the money."

Path to Liberation and Divorce

A pivotal moment occurred during her stint on Celebrity Big Brother, where being away from Doug allowed Courtney to recognize the toxicity of her marriage. With the support of newfound friends and a shift in self-awareness, she initiated the process to end the marriage, culminating in a divorce in 2020.

Courtney Stodden [50:24]: "I know the media is always wondering, like, why did it take so long? That's what was happening. Is this abuse, this emotional abuse?"

Despite Doug’s attempts to maintain control post-divorce, including reaching out for minor possessions, Courtney remains steadfast in cutting ties to protect her mental health.

Courtney Stodden [69:25]: "I am never going to speak with him again. Like ever, ever, ever."

Current Life and Healing Journey

Now 27, Courtney focuses on therapy and personal growth, striving to rebuild her self-worth and establish healthy relationships. She is engaged and actively working to overcome severe trust issues resulting from her past trauma.

Courtney Stodden [71:45]: "It's reality. I am excited for the world to hear you in this light and through a new voice, which is your voice, it's not someone else's."

Public Misconceptions and Advocacy

Courtney addresses common misconceptions about her past, clarifying that she was never a willing child bride but an exploited minor. She is in the process of writing a book aimed at helping others who have endured similar abuses, seeking to empower survivors to find their voice and strength.

Courtney Stodden [71:34]: "Like be very afraid. You know who you are."

Conclusion

The episode concludes with Courtney expressing gratitude for the opportunity to share her story, emphasizing the importance of advocacy and support for survivors of abuse. Her candid revelations serve as both a cautionary tale and a beacon of hope for those grappling with similar struggles.

Courtney Stodden [73:23]: "That's the only reason why I'm doing this. Honestly, like, I don't think I could find the strength to do this for myself."

---

Notable Quotes

• Courtney Stodden [12:37]: "I grew up in a really Christian family and I was a virgin when I met Doug."
• Courtney Stodden [21:56]: "I think that's the ultimate power a groomer has over a child, is that emotional abuse and control."
• Courtney Stodden [43:45]: "Chrissy, it was like two years of harassment."
• Courtney Stodden [66:35]: "I feel like society now has changed so much... but it's still freaking happening to people who aren't as high profile as me."

Key Takeaways

• Awareness of Grooming Tactics: Courtney's story highlights the subtle and manipulative methods predators use to exploit minors.
• Impact of Public Shaming: The intense media scrutiny can exacerbate trauma and hinder the healing process for survivors.
• Importance of Support Systems: Lack of familial support and emotional abandonment can make individuals more vulnerable to abusive relationships.
• Path to Healing: Through therapy and personal resilience, survivors can reclaim their narratives and work towards healing.

Conclusion

Courtney Stodden's candid recounting of her experiences serves as a powerful testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Her journey from exploitation and abuse to empowerment and advocacy underscores the critical need for awareness, support, and systemic change to protect vulnerable individuals from similar fates.

---

Note: This summary aims to provide an accurate and comprehensive overview of the podcast episode while respecting the sensitive nature of the topics discussed.

Transcript

[Alex Cooper]

Okay, Daddy Gang. I am so determined to learn another language. I feel like every time I go out of the country or every time Matt and I are out of the country for work, I'm always so jealous of people that can speak multiple languages and I want to learn. Rosetta Stone is the most trusted language learning program to truly immerse yourself in language that you want to learn. It is available on desktop or as an app trusted for 30 years with millions of users and 25 languages offered. Daddy Gang, this is your sign. I think it is so attract. Come off. Obviously. So smart, so interesting. It's like, why don't we all know multiple languages? Be that person that's able to actually engage with multiple cultures in multiple countries. I am going to start and so should you. Daddy Gang. Don't put off learning that language. There's no better time than right now to get started. Call Her Daddy. Listeners can get Rosetta Stone's lifetime membership for 50% off. Yes, that is right. Visit Rosetta stone.com call her daddy. That is 50% off, daddy gang. Unlimited access to 25 language courses for the rest of your Life. Redeem your 50% off at Rosetta stone.com/call her daddy.

[Courtney Stodden]

What's up Daddy Gang? It is your founding father. Back at it again for another episode of Call Her Daddy. Before I start this episode, I need to preface this with a trigger warning. This interview contains references to abuse of a minor. Again, this is a trigger warning and listener discretion is advised. If this episode is not for you, I love you and I will see you next week. Okay, Daddy Gang. If you are familiar with today's guest, you probably know them from the headline the media used to define them. In 2011, Courtney Stodden, a 16 year old child bride, marries a man in his 50s. I was also 16 when this story was on the front cover of every fucking tabloid. This man was hired by Courtney's mom to be Courtney's acting coach. It turned predatory. Courtney's parents knew and let it continue. And I remember when Courtney Stodden was signed away by their parents and granted permission to marry this dude in his 50s. At the time, Courtney received endless online hate and negative media coverage. Again, Courtney, a child, received death threats, was stalked by the paparazzi, sexualized, labeled a whore. This was a 16 year old. Meanwhile, if you look back at all the media coverage, it's like they forgot about the adult in the situation. The 50 year old fucking creep. Courtney married Doug Hutchison. This washed up actor would have been a pedophile if he had pursued a relationship with 16 year old Courtney. But instead, Courtney's parents willingly welcomed Doug into their family and legally permitted the marriage. After suffering abuse at the hands of countless adults and reality TV shows being exploited, Courtney is now 27, gotten into therapy and started a recovery journey. Listen, I had not kept up with Courtney Stodden and sitting down with Courtney, I realized the reality of how layered their story is and how deeply the Media betrayed that 16 year old child. This is a story of child abuse that began 10 years ago and after finalizing their divorce in 2020, Courtney is now beginning to process what it means to be a survivor.

[Alex Cooper]

Here's the thing I learned when I started wearing skims. It is always going to be incredible quality. I have a skims push up bra and I love it. I feel like I stopped wearing push up bras for a while and I was like why? Why? I got a skims push up and I wear it all the time now. Daddy Gang, when we wear bras we should be comfortable. We shouldn't be so excited to take them off at the end of the day being like oh my God I'm in pain. This hurts. No Daddy Gang Shop skims [e-mail] that's skims.com now available in 62 sizes from size 30A to 46H. If you haven't yet, be sure to let them know I sent you. After you place your order, select Podcast in the survey and please select Call Her Daddy in the dropdown menu that follows. Daddy Gang we all know good old Burt's Bees for their incredible self care products made with naturally derived ingredients and that is why it is an absolute. It's like there's not even a question. Daddy Gang, it is a no brainer to gift everyone on your list Burt's Bees Gift Sets this holiday season because it's the holiday holiday season and Burt's Bees gift sets are literally the easiest must have gift for friends, neighbors, teachers, work, wives, husbands, BFFs. I don't care the people that you need to get a gift for. It's simple, it's a no brainer and no wrapping required because the boxes are so cute. You get to pick from a variety of gift set options. My go to is the Merry Berry gift set with the legendary Pomegranate lip balm. Obviously get ready to win at White Elephant and Crush Hostess Gifting, but don't forget yourself in the hustle and bustle of the season. Daddy Gang, you know me, I'm always going to give myself A little pomegranate. Okay. And that is in the Mary Berry gift set. If Matt got me. I'm just trying to close my eyes here and think about that. If Matt got me a pomegranate. If he got me a Merry Berry gift set. Yeah, he's going to have a good Christmas. He's going to have a good holiday season. Head to Burt and use my code daddy for 20% off and a free gift with purchase this month. That's Burt Bees.com with code Daddy for 20% off plus a free gift with purchase this month. Exclusions may apply. Daddy gang, go enjoy.

[Courtney Stodden]

What is up, Daddy gang? It is your founding father, Alex Cooper.

[Alex Cooper]

With Call Her Daddy.

[Courtney Stodden]

I will probably take five minutes to get comfortable, so. Sorry. I think it's just this large thing in front of my face giving me a little PTSD maybe. So I just want to, like, push it back. They all look the same to me at this point, honestly.

Okay, let's drink our water. Would you prefer we were drinking vodka?

Actually, yeah.

We could maybe get some drinks in here in a little bit.

I am down.

Okay. I mean, what do you like?

Your show.

I'm down to drink. What kind of alcohol do you like?

I'll just do whatever you have.

We have vodka or tequila, right?

I think vodka, probably.

I'll take tequila.

I like that.

It's like, welcome to Caller Daddy. It's noon on a Wednesday and we are popping the bottles open.

We were out, like, getting some, like, you know, like a diva day, and the entire place turned into a bar in, like, how long?

In seconds. Yeah. Are we recording? Okay. Yeah. Maybe this will be the intro of us just summoning our drinks. We're like, get me some fucking alcohol. Because it's about to get emotional.

I think we're going to need it for this.

I do, too.

Honestly, I do, too. Yeah.

45 minutes later, Courtney and I have taken 12 shots. We fixed our flyaways, we've eaten the.

Mic, and I think we're ready for therapy.

I think we're ready for therapy. Cheers.

Cheers.

Cheers.

It's just so amazing to meet you. Yeah.

We are the same age and I remember seeing your story when I was, like, 15, 16. I remember watching it kind of unfolding in the news. And since then, so much has happened in your life and I really appreciate you sitting down with me. You live in la?

Yeah, I live in Brentwood area.

Love that area.

Yeah.

How long have you lived there?

I've lived there probably for like a year and a half now. And Kamala Harris is my neighbor, so. Bougie bitch. It was just really shocking because I am in the middle of studying for my license finally, at 20 freaking 7 years old, like, finally passed my permit, trying to get my license, and I'm trying to drive home, and there is so much traffic on this little street. Couldn't figure it out. And then I, like, I went too fast. And one of these guys was like. It was like, I don't know, like a security guard. He goes, you just slow down. You know, Kamala Harris is getting. Trying to go home. And I'm just like, what the.

Wow, that's status right there. That's also la. Like, how fucking. Just casual that you're just like neighbors with Kamala. You're like, what's up?

So crazy.

Have you ever seen her?

I've tried. Like, since then, I've kind of, like, been this, like, I've been driving really slow with my permit, you know, like, looking over at her house.

Literally two miles an hour. Just like, so creepy, right?

I know. But there's, like, security in front, so I think they're starting to kind of look at me like, why is this bitch, like, so far down? But it's just. Yeah, it's amazing. I mean, I. It was the first time I ever voted in my adult life, and I voted for Kamala.

And that's such a cool moment.

Our president. Yeah.

Comes full circle. Now you're just casually neighbors. You must live in a nice neighborhood. Courtney, you're like, no comment. Absolutely. Did you always have aspirations to move to la? Like, when you were a little girl, did you want to be, like, famous? What did you want to be?

I've always loved music. I always wanted to pursue that at a really, really young age. And my mom, she was always very supportive of it. I think that she found a lot of entertainment in supporting her daughter as well. And so her and I just kind of like, became this almost like a momager to me. And then, you know, was that mindset of helping her daughter.

When and why did your parents decide to homeschool you?

My father wasn't involved in that situation. He wasn't contributing at all to the decision to pull me out, nor did he really know that I was being completely abused and bullied at school. In sixth grade, I was pulled out because I was bullied. I mean, I got a lot of, like, my old friends bullying me. And, you know, my arm was broken at one point. And I just was that kid that was really popular before I hit puberty. And then when I hit puberty. I was treated so differently. And as a child, like, you really don't understand why you're being treated differently. Assault emails that I was getting from, you know, the future, middle school and stuff, you know, they're going to knock my teeth down my face and, you know, they're going to, you know, just. It's just going to be a really horrible experience for me. So my mom pulled me out because of that. Yeah.

At that time, your dad was not in your life.

You know, I think in looking back at it, I feel like my father completely left me emotionally abandoned. And I don't know if he's that type of man to be able to properly, emotionally be there for their child. It just doesn't seem that way because history wouldn't have been the way it is for me. Like, my life. Right. It all kind of falls back to that relationship.

So many young women go through that, and then it directly affects their romantic relationships moving forward.

Absolutely.

Which we will be getting to. You got married to a man in his 50s when you were 16. His name is Doug Hutchison. How did you meet Doug?

[Alex Cooper]

Let's take.

[Courtney Stodden]

Courtney's grabbing for the vodka. We're like, hold on, let's take a sip of our drink. Here we go. Let's get into Doug. How did you meet Doug?

Doug and I met through a mutual friend. So the mutual friend manager introduced my family to Doug because Doug was teaching acting classes here in la and I always kind of expressed, you know, interest also in singing, but in acting. And that's how we connected was through email. Email, yeah.

So you got connected with him on email and how. What were the initial conversations you were having with him via email?

I think. I think I just need a little break for a second.

Yeah, yeah.

Take your time. Sorry.

No, take your time.

[Alex Cooper]

What's coming up for you right now?

[Courtney Stodden]

I'm still healing from this. It's. It's very. It's very, very, very fresh for me. I wore waterproof mascara, specifically. I never wear waterproof. But we met through a mutual friend. We started connecting through email and my mom and this, you know, our mutual friend, Tim. His name's Tim Wilson. He didn't know about the exchanges that Doug was having with me. My mom did. She was aware. She was, like, over my shoulder the entire time practically, or having me print out the emails and she was reading them and, you know, nothing was sexual, but it was definitely not about what it was supposed to be about, which was about teaching me acting and, you know, all of that stuff. That, you know, professionally you're supposed to be doing. And then as a child, I didn't really see it as anything predatory. I mean, I don't think children have that capacity to really see that, especially if they don't feel like they have a proper relationship with their father. You know, there were just questions like, you know, what's your favorite color? And, you know, what, where do you see yourself in five years? And, you know, let's play 10 questions, and then we're going to get to know each other that way first. You know, after that, then I can kind of help teach you where I think you'd fall good in acting and just all of this bs. Now, I know in retrospect, right, it's just a way to start figuring out the child and to get your claws in them and, you know, control them.

Did he know what you looked like? Cause you were only communicating on email. Did he know your age and did he know what you looked like?

He knew what I looked like. Okay. My manager at the time sent him pictures, and he was very much aware of what I looked like. But he claims that, you know, he's never known my age. He never knew my age. It's not true. He did because my mom received a call from him, and he said, you know, so I really want to start teaching your daughter acting. And she goes, okay, well, you know, she's only. You know, she just turned 16. And he knew my age. Absolutely. He did.

Did you know how old he was?

I did, yeah. Yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

So you were saying that your mom.

[Courtney Stodden]

Was, like, printing out the emails and.

[Alex Cooper]

Looking over them with you.

[Courtney Stodden]

Do you remember your mom ever saying anything to be careful of, or was it. Was she condoning this during the time, too?

My mom has always been a very protective mother. I mean, just going back and kind of trying to shine a little light on my backstory a little bit. My mom has gotten a lot of hate, and I understand why. I mean, if I ever have a baby and I'm raising that baby from my own experiences, I would never sign my kid off, ever, to an adult man. You know, 34 years old, like, there's just no way that would happen. But I think that she thought she was doing something that was going to make me happy. Truthfully, I really believe that. But in retrospect, she knows it was the wrong decision. She's even. She's apologized to me so many times and has said, you know, if I could just do anything to do over, I would. I'm just so sorry. I wouldn't sign off on this.

How long were the two of you speaking online before you met in person?

We spoke online and on the phone for six months. And then I met him in person. He came to my hometown.

And what were the expectations of him coming? Like, what was the purpose of that trip?

I believe it was obviously to see his child in person, verify the parents are on board. I'm not gonna go to jail. And I can get that free pass to molest a child. I just need that paperwork signed for me to get married. Cause it's a loophole, right? And then a week later, we got married. So I basically just met him in person one week, and then a week later, I'm married.

But just to get context. So you had fully had a conversation of this is a relationship before you met in person? Like, that was art now in the works? Fully. And your mom was aware of it?

I was already groomed before I met him.

Yeah, he comes into town. What was that like with him meeting your parents and everything? Like, do you remember that week?

I do, but there is a specific moment that really stands out to me. After picking him up from the airport, my father was driving. My mom was there, felt like I had support. My dad just said he needed to meet him in person, and then he could just sign off on it, which, in retrospect, makes me extremely angry. He was in his very own fragile state of mind at that point in the marriage with my mother. My mother was in a very bad place with my father. So this was like, a perfect grooming situation for someone like Doug. I remember being, you know, picking Doug up from SeaTac, driving about an hour and a half to a cafe. And I thought maybe at least it would take the entire weekend for my father to then talk to me and say, you know, I don't know if you. You know, like, I really did wanna marry Doug because I thought I was in love with him. But there was also something in me as a child that made me question if my father really loved me. So it was like this, you know, dichotomy. And so when we got to that diner, we had a little lunch. My dad immediately before they ate their lunch, took Doug outside and said, you know what? You have my blessing. He didn't even see him for maybe an hour. They didn't talk. My dad was driving. Doug was in the backseat, and he gave Doug the blessing to take his child away from him. You know, even if he did feel like, you know, his family was falling apart and all these things. Like, I feel like he did choose himself.

Did your dad ever pull you aside and ask how you were feeling?

He did before we met Doug, but it was just like five minutes in my bedroom, kind of took my hands and said, is this what you want? I know he was. I know he was arguing with my mom. I could hear them screaming, you know, throughout the house. And he just. But I just think he gives up so quickly. That's just the kind of person he is. He just kind of like runs away from issues and he's so, I mean, you know, it just makes sense why this happened, right? And it happens to so many other children in the USA. I mean, about 300,000 children, underage children, were married to adults between the years of 2000 and 2018 and 86% of those children are girls. And it's in this country we think of child bride as some foreign situation, but it is so. It's so prevalent in the USA right now and it's terrifying. And some as young as 10 years old.

Did Doug treat you like an adult or did he treat you like a child?

I think that it's pretty obvious that he looked at me like a child but wanted to treat me like some kind of object.

How did he pitch you on getting married? Why couldn't you guys just date?

I grew up in a really Christian family and I was a virgin when I met Doug. And you know, because of my mom's own again, I mean, I'm going through this in therapy, so I'm not yet healed from all of this. But you know, she believed that this guy would really take care of me and really love me. And she was also in a position to feel like she could believe him. I mean, she really did. You know, I'm just gonna say it. When I went through this divorce process with Doug, I found out that right after I left him, he started pursuing a 15 year old girl in the UK. And I have all of the proof, I have all of the emails. I got connected with an ex assault victim and he was doing the same thing to another 15 year old girl while I was going through this process. Is there a tissue? I'm still working through all of this.

So you're going through the divorce and you find out he's already on to his next victim?

Yes, I found out through, I found out through a stepmother who reached out to me on Instagram and I just, I can't tell you how, how much that broke me. Like, even after all of like the control, I feel like I didn't even have control over My own body, my own finances. I couldn't sign any legal documents in that marriage. I couldn't, you know, sign off on my own marriage. Like, I was just so controlled. But then I think that there's this trauma bond that happens when you're that age. Like, right. You have like this. I don't want to say I had Stockholm syndrome because I. But it, there's this grooming. It's the effects and the mental effects of grooming. Right. Where I didn't want to believe, you know, Right. I mean, a few people would reach out. I just didn't want to believe it. I just, you know, it's not what. How he made me feel. He made me feel really, really special and unique. I just really believed him. And then just finding out everything, it's just, you know, horrible. And then reading that, you know, that he's doing. He's ready to marry another minor. I just helped with the attorneys there get this little girl away from him.

Wow.

It just became my mission because I know exactly what he was doing. I saw the emails. They were the same emails to me and they were the same, same letters. Because in 96 same letters, he was writing in his handwriting to this other 15 year old girl. It just clicked that I was with a predator. And I never, I never, I was just so groomed. I never wanted to believe it.

Legally, how were you able to marry Doug?

I was able to marry Doug because my mom signed off on the paperwork.

Did your parents, prior to that or any adult have a conversation with you of like, this is what's going to change in your life if you marry this man?

Did anybody have that conversation with me?

Yeah, like, hey, if you get, you're about to get married at 16, like, this is what's gonna happen?

No, no. I mean, I really didn't even know what was gonna happen on the honeymoon. I had no idea, really.

Your wedding day, you are walking down that aisle. What do you remember feeling on that day?

I was beyond nervous because I just wanted to play the part for him. Like, I wanted him to be impressed with me. Like I was a woman. I mean, I was a kid, so I feel like I was playing dress up in a sense, but I was so madly in love with him that I just, like, I don't know, it was just this really strange feeling that I always carried with me. And I mean, the photo of my father walking me down the aisle is really interesting to me because he has this look on his face. I mean, you can Google, like, it's. He has this look on his face where he's just so angry, but he's still doing it, which was really, you know, it just. I don't know.

How does it make you feel when you look at that photo?

Angry. Yeah, I definitely know, like, the more awareness and therapy and the more I come to terms and, like, go through all of these things, I'm seeing things so much more clearly. It's so hard to see something so clearly when you're the one who is in, you know, that spotlight and you get so much, you know, support but hate and, like, all of that. Like, it's so hard to just make sure that you're listening to a healthy amount of it all. I believe. But, like, I just got to a place where I was just listening to so much negativity because that's. That's really. I mean, I really didn't have that much self worth.

Did you ever ask your dad, seeing that photo, like, why did you then walk me down the aisle?

Nope. My father has completely disowned me. He texted me and said, you are not my daughter. This was about three years ago, so I don't have a relationship with that man.

What triggered him disowning you?

My marriage to Doug, because I was obviously old enough to make that decision. My mother not wanting to be with my father because of my decision. She wanted to go with me, and that broke up their marriage. He obviously hits the bottle pretty hard. I think he's. He runs away from a lot of things. He's kind of always been like that. But he's a. I really believe, too. Like, underneath it all, he is a really scarred, amazing gentleman. He just doesn't know how to deal with any of this properly. I mean, even, you know, even serial killer parents, like, never disown their kids. Right?

What did I do? You mentioned that you were a virgin when you met Doug. And you mentioned that you had no idea what the honeymoon was going to entail.

Right.

What do you recall about that night and losing your virginity and the whole experience, I mean, for.

That whole experience for me, was so, like, insane. I mean, coming from a really. Like, I grew up where Kurt Cobain grew up, and it is, like, the most depressing freaking town. Like, nobody does anything. Like, you know, like, it's. And so from that to being pulled a week later into this, I mean, I just. I just shut down. I disassociated myself. I tried the best I could to put on that role, you know, because that's what grooming is really. I. You Know, came from a really small town and then immediately, like, right up in the Hollywood Hills. And, you know, the honeymoon's gonna be scheduled at the Chateau Marmont penthouse. And I remember running into the bathroom, shutting the door and just looking in the mirror and crying for I don't know how long I was just crying. And I know I was feeling stuff that I wasn't necessarily letting myself process or I wasn't old enough to process or something. I don't know. I take my bra off. I was wearing those bombshell Victoria's Secret bras. Do you remember that? It was like two big cup sizes, and then inside of that I had a cutlet. So they were like. And I was so freaked out to undress because I'm like, he's just. He's not gonna love me like this. Like, he. Like how. Like, I look like a kid. Like, I looked like a 12 year old with my clothes off. Little did I know it was a fantastic night for him, but I was a complete nervous wreck.

So you were petrified to get undressed?

Petrified, yeah.

Once you did, did you ever loosen up or did you feel uncomfortable the whole time? Like, how did he handle calming you?

Well, he gave me a little wine before when I went into the bathroom. So I had a little wine.

At 16, before you have sex for the first time?

Just a little, yeah.

Were you. Was that the first time you had had a drink?

I had a Corona the day I arrived to Doug's house with my family before we got married, before we all jetted off to Vegas the next day. I remember I opened his fridge and I'm like, I'm fucking emancipated. I'm having a Corona. So it was like my first Corona ever. So I started drinking when this. Yeah.

So at 16, starting to drink, right? Being married, you go to this honeymoon afterwards. What was early marriage life like for the two of you?

I just remember waking up the morning after at the Chateau Marmont, and I be. You know, I was growing up in such a religious household, and I remember looking down at the sheets, the white sheets, and I was just. I was praying to God, I was like, please. And for some reason, I kind of felt like the one that wasn't good enough all the time. Like, you know, I'm like, please, I pray to God that there's some cherry on there, because if there's no freaking cherry, like, I'm not. I am not gonna be good enough for this man. Like, literally. How sick is that? Like, I mean, I'm not Putting down anybody's beliefs. But like, for me, I just look back at it and I just feel like it's so sick. And I saw it and I was like, I felt like, okay, so this is ordained by God. Like, this is an ordained situation.

How was he towards you after that first night together?

I have never seen him so on top of the moon. I mean, I woke up and he had his little like hat on. He was playing the piano. Like, you know, he just was. I mean, he just got to molest a child legally.

With a 34 year difference between you and Doug back then, what was presented to you that you guys had in common?

He would, you know what? He would always answer this question. So whenever we would do like, you know, our media rounds or he would do an interview or I would do an interview, I would always kind of fall back on what he would tell everybody. Like my dad. I'm like, oh, yeah, okay. So that's, that's how I answer this media question. What do you have in common? We love I love Lucy. You know, we love the Honeymooners. We love, you know, you know, AC DC and you know, Jack White and all these like bands that we really love. And it's just so crazy how much we have in common. So that was like the, how he would connect it for people to be like, you know what? I'm, I'm like a back door of life. She's like, front door. Like we meet somewhere.

[Alex Cooper]

Yeah.

[Courtney Stodden]

With TV shows and music.

Yeah.

What were like dinners like between the two of you?

Drinking all the time. Drinking, drinking, drinking.

And he condoned it. If anything, he pushed it on you. I mean, you said the first night.

She never told me. No.

Did you have to have sex with him? Like on his a schedule?

I still have scars on me. Physical scarring. So yeah.

[Alex Cooper]

Collar daddy is brought to you by Liquid iv. All right, Daddy gang. Whether your calendar is booked and busy girl, or maybe you're keeping it lowkey this year. Stay hydrated through the holidays with Liquid iv. They have convenient packets of their hydration multiplier or sugar free hydration multiplier. You get eight vitamins and nutrient, three times the electrolytes of the leading sports drink. And no artificial sweetener. Tear Pour Live More powered by Liquid IV hydra science. Liquid IV replaces necessary nutrients lost from everyday hydration. One stick plus 16 ounces of water hydrates better than water alone. Stay hydrated okay, through the holidays with Liquid IV. Get 20% off your first order of Liquid IV when you go to LiquidIV.com and use code Daddy at checkout. That's 20% off your first order when you shop. Better hydration today using promo code daddy@liquid I.com call her daddy is brought to you by Ollie. Daddy Gang, we all know as women, there are just so many things we are constantly going through. And thankfully, Ollie helps prioritize wellness through every stage of life that we are going through. Right? So from multitasking, multivitamins that keep up to essential prenatal for mom and baby, Ali has got you through it all. Life's tricky, so do wellness on your terms. Daddy Gang, get what you [e-mail] that's o l l y.com these statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.

[Courtney Stodden]

When did you start to realize, this may not be what I want to do forever with this man?

Mm. I was way too young to be crying on the kitchen floor every freaking night with a bottle of wine and opening another one. I felt like I didn't have at that point in time, like, 17 years old, I didn't feel like I had anybody in my corner. I felt like, you know, because I was being told to commit suicide at 16, I mean, every moment I would turn around, there'd be another hit piece, you know, in the grocery store somewhere else, you know, people talking about how I'm dressing or behaving. And little did they know then that that is a part of grooming. I was trying to be that part. Right. And, yeah, that. That part really did a doozy on my. My self worth, really.

When did you realize he had a drinking problem?

Gradually, because when we. When he first was reaching out to me, you know, he was claiming that he was getting sober and he wanted to be sober, and he was cleaning up his life and things like that, and I believed him. I didn't know anything really about it anyway. I mean, I know my dad drank a little bit, but I wasn't really that close with him, so it wasn't some, like, alarming thing. But it became an issue probably two months into our relationship when I started noticing, like, Jacqueline Hyde.

Okay. You know, like, what was it like living as a child with an alcoholic adult in a house together?

Which time? With my dad or Doug? I'm trying. Okay. There. There are so many to count. I mean, it was almost every night, I mean, for years.

And. Were you scared in the house?

Yeah. There was a gun. I mean, I. I. Yeah. I mean, you know.

Did he ever. When he Was drunk. Take it out.

I. I don't want to legally talk about that right now. Yeah.

Was Doug physically and verbally abusive?

He was extremely emotionally abusive to me. At times physical, but mostly emotionally and abusive because I think that that's the ultimate power a groomer has over a child, is that emotional abuse and control? Yeah.

Were you always playing the part and then behind the scenes, kind of trying to figure out at one point an escape plan?

We separated a couple times, but every time we separated, I just felt like I couldn't live without him. I mean, I was raped a few times when I left him, and it. And I go back to him, and he's just kind of like, well, what do you expect? You know, you left me. Like, you know, I'm the one who loves you. I'm the one who takes care of you. And so that's why it took so long. I know the media is always wondering, like, why did it take so long? That's what was happening. Is this abuse, this emotional abuse? And I think, too, like, so many victims and survivors blame ourselves. We blame ourselves because we think it's our fault. But the full picture is the abuser is the one who is controlling that it's not your fault at all. And I wish I could have told myself these things in those moments. Yeah, this is a deep one, girl.

You're doing amazing. Seriously.

I feel like I'm on Oprah right now.

You did bring up during the Me Too movement, those sexual assaults. Can you explain what happened?

Just more. More adult men exploiting either a minor or a very young teenage girl at that point in time.

When you. When this happened to you, because you explained you were on a break with Doug, like, your initial reaction was to run back to him, which if people aren't educated, they'd be like, what the fuck? That makes so much sense.

I got that a lot. You know, when I chose to go back with him the first time, I mean, even some celebrity friends were like, what the fuck are you doing? Like, why in the hell are you doing that? And it's so hard to explain this to somebody who hasn't been through it.

Now, knowing, like, what are some tangible red flags to look for that indicate grooming?

I feel like you can Google a sociopath and get the exact same definition. Charming, intelligent, an empath, someone who can disarm you, disarm your family. And that's the scary part. It's like, you don't. How can you always, you know, spot.

That the public hate you were getting not only Just from, like, random people. Like celebrities you got. Courtney Love called you publicly a whore. Anderson Cooper shamed you on national television. And Chrissy Teigen took it to a new level. She publicly wished you dead.

Mm.

And at the time, it seemed like no one gave a fuck. No one saw anything wrong with it. Some of her tweets, I hate you. Go to sleep forever. What drugs make you do that with your mouth?

Asking for vodka.

Asking for a friend who really wants to know how to look like an idiot. Thanks. To confirm, have had you ever met Chrissy Teigen?

Not have I only not met her, but I've never spoken to her in my life. Like, and I actually really liked her. Like, I followed her. I mean, obviously I love John Legend. Like, I love. I just was like, I was following them and then I started seeing this on my timeline and I was like, but I love you. I just had this feeling, but I really like you. But, like, other than that, at that point in time, because I was so young, I don't think I processed how deeply that led to my future depression.

I mean, you're literally getting publicly shamed.

But at that point in time, as a kid, I was just like, I was just like, oh, she's. She's sexualizing Toddlers and Tiaras. Like, oh, big deal. Woohoo. Because I was a kid, right? I mean, she was shaming Lindsay Lohan. She was struggling with a lot of, you know, her own stuff. And I just. I just freaking love Lindsay. Like, you know, I think Chrissy was in a really. She had to have been in a really dark ass place to tell these child, children and women, you know, these things to, I don't know, make herself feel better about herself. I know now, you know, she's. She's saying she's doing the best she can, and I really hope that she means it. You know, if that stuff continues, we're just gonna see more suicides. Unfortunately, it's not gonna help.

She. Those were public tweets. Did she. She privately messaged you, right?

She privately messaged me a lot. It was like sometimes it was like really late, like 2 in the morning, you know, And I don't know what it was. It wasn't just like one or two tweets, you know, like Courtney Love, you know, she called me a whore. Big deal.

Love you too. But Chrissy, it was like it was over, wasn't it? Over, like two years of harassment.

It was a really long time.

What, was she privately messaging you?

She privately messaged me. I specifically remembered this One, because I was. I was just, like, so shocked, right? It was really early in the morning at some point. This was a really. I mean, this was a freaking decade ago. I know a lot of people can change in that time frame, but I didn't hear from her when she apologized. I was blocked from everything. She messaged me, I cannot wait for you to die. And that was just one of them that I remember. And then publicly, she was saying, you know, dirt nap or something. You know, I can't wait for you to take a dirt nap. And she was just obsessed with seeing me die.

If you could say something to Chrissy Teigen right now, like, what would you say to her if you saw her?

I. I really don't have anything to say to her. I don't need to speak to Regina George. It's not something I need. I don't need that. I'm Lindsay.

Like, I will push you in front of a Bosch. No, no. I think that that's very mature of you. So you were on multiple reality shows. How did you make the decision to enter reality television?

I didn't. My pedophile husband is the one who decided to sign me up for things because, you know, he needed the money. Another misconception is people thought I was a gold digger. I married him for money. I'm the one who was taking care of him. That's why I entered reality tv, because I felt like I had to. I mean, he controlled the bank account. I didn't even know how to write a check. So whenever I was sent into something, it felt almost like a conservatorship, right? In a way. But, yeah, I was the one making the money, and that's why I would do the shows. I mean, I would get so sick before the shows. I know on Mother Daughter, I was so underweight. I felt so anorexic before that. I mean, I went on the show. I was throwing up. Right when I got there, I was throwing up nothing. I didn't have anything to eat. In a few days. I wasn't eating on set. You know, I. I just. I got to a point where I was so freaking sick, and I was sent to the hospital on the show because of it, because I just. I was gonna faint, like, I was so sick. But really, Doug cared about me finishing it out and getting the money and then returning it to him.

So you would get the money, and then he would take care of the finances. Do you think that the amount of hate you were getting even bonded you more with Doug?

Because it's like, absolutely. We felt like Bonnie and Clyde. I mean, that's what he would tell me, you know, he was like, you know, we're Bonnie and Clyde, baby. That's it. That's it. It's you and I. And there were things that would bond us together. Right. That only we would know and abusive tactics that he would, you know, put into play throughout the 10 years of.

Can you give an example? Was there anything he would say, abusive?

It got to a point where he would have to convince me just. Just to do it. Like, he would be pushing me. Like, literally, like, pushing like the conservator. You have to go collect this money, you know, you are the. What did he call me something all the time? He called me the golden goose. You're the golden goose. You got it. You know, we're gonna. You gotta pay the rent, you know, that's. That's. That's what it is. And then he would guilt trip me if I didn't want to do it or if I said I was too sick or I'm not mentally. I can't, you know, I need a break.

You were on Celebrity Big Brother when you were 18. This was the first time you were really apart from Doug.

Yeah.

Can you take us through what it was like moving into that house and what that experience was like.

When we got to London, I remember being on a hotel room. In the room. I'm just. I have this trauma right now that I'm just even thinking about this. But he was standing there. Doug was standing there, and I was holding onto his legs, and I was just crying my eyes out because I knew the producers were gonna come pick me up. This was the first time I was ever, like, truly away from him. I couldn't breathe. Like, being away from this man, that's how groomed I was. I didn't know how the hell I was gonna get away from him and be away from him for a few weeks or a month or whatever. And I was so distraught, and I was so depressed. But then by the time I got on the show and by the time I, you know, became friends with Dustin diamond, like, he was the one who was in there. That kind of made me realize some things in my relationship with Doug. And by the time I ended the show, I knew I didn't want to be with him anymore. I knew there was something not up. Right. Like, that wasn't right. And by the time we got back to the us, I told them I wanted a separation. And that's when I finally felt free enough. To get away from him. Strong enough to get away from him. I was assaulted, and then I went back.

Yeah, that's a pretty big moment to realize what was helping you process that.

Space. I mean, really space. You know, it kind of felt like college for me or something. Like, I went. I went away to college, and I. And it just made me realize I don't. I don't need him controlling me outside of this. Like, I don't. I don't need that. But at that point in time, it felt completely impossible to get away from.

Your experience on Celebrity Big Brother was the first moment you started to see, like, what life would be like without Doug. Then a few years later, you wind up on another reality show that focuses on your relationship with your mom. The mom and daughter experiment. When you went on the show, what was the status of your relationship with your mother at that point?

I hadn't spoken with my mom for two years. It was such a really hard situation because Doug was isolating me from my entire family at that point in time. So I blamed her for a lot, and I was just in this really confused mindset. So the producers kept my mother off of the first night off of the property. Everybody else could be on the property, you know, Heidi Montag's mom and, you know, Natalie Nunn's mom and, you know, Real Housewife. You know, they could all be there, but my mom couldn't be there because they knew of what a fragile situation it was. And then the next episode, they introduced her, and it was just so. It was so difficult for me to finish the. To finish. I was completely underweight. I was so sick. I was taking too many things.

You.

Know, because my mom would be telling me one thing, and then Doug would be telling me another, and then the whole world and. And celebrities and strangers and friends would be telling me other things. So I just completely disassociated myself from myself, and it made me really, really sick. So I'm surprised I got through that entire reality show, to tell you the truth.

On the show, we find out that your mom was having an emotional affair with Doug, your husband at the time, and that Doug had sexual fantasies involving.

Here we go with this vodka. Okay. This is a heavy one.

We find out that Doug had sexual fantasies involving the three of you. What was your mom's relationship with Doug?

I'm still working on that therapy.

Okay. And do you know when you. When those things were said on the show?

Yes.

Are they true?

When I met Doug, he would go up and kiss a friend of mine. On the lips, like, immediately. It wasn't anything that was like, you know, oh, come here, baby. Like, you know, anything like that. But he was very charming. Oh, how are you? And he said, oh, it's nice, you know? And I've had so many people tell me that it just made them feel so uncomfortable. They felt assaulted. Right. But in his head, I would talk to him about it, and in his head, it's like, what do you mean? I'm just greeting them. I'm greeting them. Oh, yeah. I'm sexually assaulted. Oh, you know. Oh, yeah, right. But it. It felt like that for a lot of women. And he did the same thing to my mother.

Did Doug talk about your mom in sexual ways?

Never. I know. I personally never.

Okay.

Never. Never heard that.

[Alex Cooper]

Call Her Daddy is brought to you by Avocado Green Mattress. You know what? I love to be horizontal. I've said it since I basically came out of the womb. Okay. Sleep is so important to me, and I am so, so, so, so intensely adamant about if I get a good night's sleep, I'm a different person. Okay, Here is some advice. Don't sleep on the benefits of a good night's sleep. You may already be familiar with Avocado Green Mattress, and they're all eco friendly, health conscious products. Like, they're organic mattresses and home furnishings that are better for you and the planet. Well, daddy gang, here you go. Avocados got an amazing pillow you'll love too, called the Avocado Green pillow. Okay. The Avocado Green pillow is designed to provide the perfect amount of comfort and is fully adjustable. Just add or remove the natural fill to achieve your preferred level of support. I don't know about you, but when it comes to pillows for me, I am very, very, very particular. And this makes me very excited because to be able to kind of customize my own pillow. Yes, please sign me. I'll take that one, please, you guys. It comes in different sizes too. There is a side sleeper version and even a mini version for travel. Yes, yes, yes, and yes. It is made from natural and organic materials. Fall asleep knowing your head is resting on a pillow that's made safe.

[Courtney Stodden]

Certified.

[Alex Cooper]

So, Daddy Yang, if you are interested in adding sustainable luxury to your bed with the Avocado Green pillow, shop the Avocado green pillow and save 10% on avocado mattress dot com. That's avocado mattress. Call Her Daddy is brought to you by ZipRecruiter Daddy Gang. I have worked in many different environments and some are fabulous and some were not the best experiences. And while there are many types of offices out there that you can work in, one thing's for certain. Choosing the right candidate for any office is a huge responsibility. Well, if you're hiring and want to find the best candidate for your office, you need ZipRecruiter. And right now, you can try it for [e-mail] Daddy. Everyone that has a business or you are hiring, I highly, highly, highly recommend ZipRecruiter. ZipRecruiter is the hiring site employers prefer the most. Maybe you're wondering, how fast does ZipRecruiter smart technology start showing your job to qualified candidates? The answer is immediately. ZipRecruiter's powerful matching technology works fast to fine top talent so you don't have to waste time or money. Daddy. Gang, if you are running a business, you do not have time to be going through all of this. Let ZipRecruiter do all of the legwork for you. You can invite top candidates for your job to apply to encourage them to apply sooner. Just remember, if you want to find the right candidate for your office, you need ZipRecruiter. See why 4 out of 5 employers who post on ZipRecruiter get a quality candidate within the first day. Just go to this exclusive web address right now to try ZipRecruiter for free. ZipRecruiter.com Daddy again, that's ZipRecruiter.com Daddy. ZipRecruiter. The smartest way to hire.

[Courtney Stodden]

So when you were addressing your mom on the show saying, you know, I know you're having an emotional affair with Douglas, where did you hear that information from? Doug?

Again, my mom has had her own experiences in life. I really, you know, seen her fall in love with my husband through me. So it was like this, you know, I don't know. I mean, she even told me, you know, you and I are like Siamese twins. Whatever you feel, I feel. And so I was a kid, and she was going along with her kid with this situation.

Right?

I'm still healing from this.

Do you know if they ever had a sexual relationship?

You know what? I would never know. You know, usually I would say, absolutely not. You know, that's crazy. But. But my life has been. I mean, when I go to sleep, my dreams are so normal. And then when I wake up, my life is so freaking insane. So I just like to sleep most of the day. I got up early for this. Okay. I'd be sleeping.

I appreciate that. Okay, so you does it does it haunt you a little bit that you don't have that answer?

I'm haunted by a lot of. It's not on the top of my agenda right now because I have so many other things that, like, I'm. I'm. I'm dealing with and going through and trying to make sense of. I definitely think eventually it's obviously. I mean, I'll get to it.

What impacted reality TV have on your body image?

I don't know if it was necessarily reality tv. I think it was mostly the media. When I shot into, like, this cannonball, like, just, like, I was everywhere overnight, I. You know, when you're a teenager, you see yourself a certain way in your mirror, right? And you're listening to fucking Trey songs or whatever you're listening to. You're just like, yeah, damn, I look good. And then, you know, you see yourself, every angle in the media, and it completely shattered me. So I had my breasts done right when I turned 18. Like, that was something that I needed to do for myself because everybody already thought that I had these big boobs. And, you know, I was already bullied for them. And, you know. You know, went on Dr. Drew.

Can we talk about that? Because I watched that clip. I don't know how that just got past everyone to anyone that's not watched it. You're 16 years old. You go on Dr. Drew's show, and quite literally, my mouth dropped when I watched it this morning of you on a table in front of a live audience, and they're basically doing, like, an ultrasound on your boobs to see if they're real, because people didn't believe they were real at the time.

At, like, 16. Right.

[Alex Cooper]

Who made.

[Courtney Stodden]

Yes. Who made that decision for you to go on the show?

Doug did.

And how would he present those ideas to you?

Money. At that point in time, I completely was like, oh, okay. I guess this is, you know, what I need to do. I mean, that was the thought of a child, I feel like, was. You know, it's kind of like that's what he wants me to do. And I was so far in deep already that I just. I just kind of, like, became that Persona.

When you talk about getting your breasts done at 18, what was the decision to get them done?

I wanted to be the woman everybody expected me to be, you know, from strangers and the media and everything else. I just felt like I needed to put that Persona on. Yeah, right. And Doug kind of benefited from that as well. Like, you know, oh, look at me. I'm not just with a Kid, you know, she doesn't look like a kid. And so many people fell for that. I am so ready just to get them out. I mean, like, I have so many massages every week. I am in so much pain. I loved having them. I'm not against plastic surgery. I think, right. If. If you want to do something to your body, that is your freaking choice. I don't have anything wrong with that at all. But my back feels like a 90 year old woman. Like, I am so tired.

Things out of here. Wow.

Yeah. Yeah.

So all of these shows, I mean, there's interviews on, interviews with you and Doug and eventually the relationship ended. How did it end? And how did you tell him you wanted it to end?

I just started shutting him out.

Okay.

I just distanced myself from him so much to the point where I didn't let him in anymore. I grew up and I started realizing what was happening to me. I don't think I would be sitting here right now if I wouldn't have divorced him.

When did you tell him you wanted a divorce? And how.

I don't know if I ever did.

Okay.

I was at a place where, you know, I knew he was in such control. I felt like I had great acquaintances, but no one who I can really completely open up and trust, right? So I just. I fell into myself. And I was just always praying that he would leave before it was too late for me. I just remember praying and waiting and hoping he would leave, which he eventually did. He eventually left. He went to Michigan, moved in with his dad, who was like freaking 80 or something. And, you know, Doug didn't have anything. And I felt responsible for that. You know, somehow he made me feel responsible for that. But I kept. I just kept my eye on the prize and that was my health. Setting good boundaries for myself, being strong, even in those moments where I didn't want to make it anymore. I mean, really, I just, you know, there are so many times. But then you would always have to put on that brave face for everybody because everybody would see me differently. So I'd have to really, you know, just like. Like a light, like go into that character.

I mean, anyone that has a fucking brain should have been like, this girl needs help. She's a child. She doesn't know any better.

But I also think society now, like, has changed so much.

I agree.

I mean, this marriage took place before Me too. Before. Time's up. I feel like in this generation right now, if this was so public, I feel like an army of people would become like, you know, Banging on my door, dragging me out. But then the scary part is to me too is that it's still freaking happening to people who aren't as high profile as me and who don't have those resources.

What were the next few months of your life like trying to like figure out life without him because you'd been with him for over 7, 8 years.

It was 10 years by the time our divorce. Yeah. Wherever you go, there you are. Right. So my trust issues are so prevalent in my current relationship. I'm engaged, I mean, but also with my friendships, with my family. I just have these severe, severe, severe trust issues with so many different people. But it definitely affects my ability to open up to people in a genuine way. It's really hard for me to do that because I was so crushed at as a child, you know, and especially.

So publicly, publicly abused. Like you are a survivor. You are. You came in and immediately were like, oh, take my phone. I don't want Doug to call. What? Can you explain what's going on?

I blocked him recently because he's been reaching out to me. You know, he knows that I'm moving on. He knows I'm, I'm trying to and you know, I'm, I'm happy and I find moments of happiness and I'm finding myself and I mean the most recently thing, he just reached out to me a few months ago asking me for his guitar that he wants back. And it's almost like that ex calling and saying, hey, I left a sock in your drawer about eight years ago. Do you think you can like maybe send it back to me? You know, but like it was just, you know, it's just so obvious that he is still trying to victim claim control, you know, even after just knowing that he was just doing this to a 15 year old girl less than a month and a half ago.

Moving forward, how are you going to handle that relationship with Doug?

I am never going to speaking him to get like again like ever, ever, ever. I, I will never let him in. And I like, I feel like I have a really good predator radar now. Like I am, I am probably way too hypersensitive. But like I can see someone that walks in a room and I can just. I'm so hypersensitive. I'm an empath and I just. Yeah. Yeah.

Do you think that Doug should be in jail?

I think he should be looked into way more than he has been.

Yeah. I mean you just said.

And that will determine whether he needs to be, you know. Yeah, but based on everything I've heard based on everything.

I mean, yeah, 15 year old. That should be more than looked into.

[Alex Cooper]

What is.

[Courtney Stodden]

As we wrap up, everyone's gonna see Courtney Stodden. What is a misconception about you, if people are listening that you would not even like to clear up that you're just like that? This is not who I am. This is who I am because we've seen so much of you through your youth and it was obviously skewed. Yeah. What do you want people to know?

I was not a child bride. I was a child who was exploited. I think that that is something that people should think about.

You're writing your book, which we've heard about. We're gonna keep an eye out for it and you've talked about how you want to help through this book. Others that are going through anything similar to your struggle. What do you hope readers, when it does come out, take from your book every detail.

Like be very afraid. You know who you are.

Are you going to use names in your book? Good for you. Can you give us one?

You think so? Oh, my God, he's married. I'm sure you know her husband is not the best man. Just say that.

And are you writing details about what happened? How does it make you feel to. Is it like a reclaiming moment for you?

It is, but I think that it's reality.

I am excited for the world to hear you in this light and through a new voice, which is your voice, it's not someone else's. It's not skewed by an abuser because you're phenomenal and you're a survivor and you're incredible and you're smart and you have the rest of your life in front of you and the fact that you're in this therapy journey, you're open about, you know, the hardships that you've been through, but also the way you're so positively talking, but also realistically talking, like, it's not easy. Some days I don't want to get out of bed. It's so many women are going to relate to this story and probably find the strength that you're talking about within themselves to like, get through another day and just take it day.

That's the only reason why I'm doing this. Honestly, like, I don't think I could find the strength to do this for myself. And so, I mean, we're so pro women now. I think that is so important. We always should have been, but it's so important right now. And it's really the only reason why I find the strength to speak out. And you're a badass yourself, so I felt so safe to sit down with you today. So thank you.

Thank you, thank you, thank you for coming on. Call her Daddy.

Thank you.

[Alex Cooper]

This winter, could your plans be up in the air?

[Courtney Stodden]

With COVID 19 still circulating, this season's COVID 19 shot trains your immune system to recognize and help fight recent variants. Getting this season's shot is one of the best ways to help protect yourself against against COVID 19 and serious illness, including hospitalization.

[Alex Cooper]

If you haven't gotten this season's COVID.

[Courtney Stodden]

19 shot, it's never too late. Learn more and [e-mail] brought to you by Pfizer.