Courtney Stodden Reveals Cyberbullying Led to Suicide Consideration
Courtney Stodden, now 30, disclosed that she contemplated suicide as a teenager due to online harassment.
Stodden’s откровение is featured in the ABC News documentary, IMPACT x Nightline: Confessions of a Child Bride, scheduled for streaming on Hulu this Thursday, March 20.
Cyberbullying’s Severe Impact
In a preview clip from her Nightline interview with Juju Chang, Stodden discussed the detrimental online treatment she endured following her marriage to Doug Hutchison in 2011. At the time of the wedding, Hutchison was 51, while Stodden was 16.
“I genuinely came close to ending my life because cyberbullying played a significant role. I had even written a suicide note,” Stodden confessed. “I remember my final thought being, ‘Perhaps I am unworthy of being here if individuals in positions of power are telling me I don’t deserve to exist.'”
Referencing Chrissy Teigen’s Past Remarks
Stodden appeared to allude to past remarks made by Chrissy Teigen on X (formerly Twitter). In 2011, Teigen allegedly posted a message to Stodden stating, “My Friday fantasy: you. dirt nap.”
“I understand she attributes those comments to alcohol or whatever explanation she prefers. However, directing such words at a child when you hold significant influence on Twitter was incredibly impactful,” Stodden stated. (Us Weekly has contacted Teigen for comment).
Reflection on a Difficult Period
Stodden, who finalized her divorce from Hutchison in 2020, expressed a desire to comfort her younger self when reflecting on that challenging era.
Teigen’s Public Apology in 2021
Teigen’s past tweets concerning Stodden resurfaced in 2021, prompting the influencer and wife of John Legend to issue a public apology.
“Few individuals are fortunate enough to face accountability for their past misdeeds on such a public scale. I am mortified and saddened by my former self. I was an insecure, attention-seeking troll,” Teigen wrote on X at the time. “I am ashamed and utterly embarrassed by my conduct, but it pales in comparison to the pain I inflicted upon Courtney.”
Previous Statements on Online Abuse
Stodden had previously revealed to The Daily Beast that the cookbook author was among numerous celebrities who subjected her to hurtful online commentary.
“She didn’t just publicly tweet about wanting me to ‘take a dirt nap’ but also sent private direct messages telling me to commit suicide. Things like, ‘I can’t wait for you to die,'” Stodden recounted regarding Teigen. “Some of the harshest treatment I received came from women, and progress is impossible if we continue to undermine each other.”
If You Are Struggling with Suicidal Thoughts
If you or someone you know is grappling with suicidal thoughts, please reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255.