Remember Courtney Stodden? The teen bride who, at 16, married 51-year-old actor Doug Hutchison? The story, back in 2011, was a tabloid tornado of eyebrow-raising quotes and public appearances. Now, Stodden is revisiting that chapter of her life with a decidedly different perspective. In “IMPACT x Nightline: Confessions of a Child Bride,” streaming on Hulu, Stodden alleges grooming and speaks out against underage marriage.
“Confessions of a Child Bride” isn’t just a rehash of old headlines. It’s a re-examination, led by “Nightline” correspondent Juju Chang, who covered the original story back in 2011 when Stodden and Hutchison were first married. Now, years later, Chang sits down with Stodden again, offering a platform to tell a story that goes beyond the “soulmates” narrative the couple presented at the time.
Stodden details the deeply troubling aspects of her experience, from the trauma of losing her virginity to Hutchison on their wedding night to the constant glare of the paparazzi and the struggles she faced trying to leave the marriage. The documentary doesn’t shy away from the cyberbullying Stodden endured, even from high-profile celebrities, painting a picture of a young woman thrust into the spotlight and ill-equipped to handle the fallout.
The documentary also features new interviews with entertainment reporters who covered the story at the time – Alexis Tereszcuk (formerly of Radar Online), Kristyn Burtt (The Tom Bernard Show), and Kelley Carter (Andscape) – giving important media context to this complicated narrative.
“IMPACT x Nightline: Confessions of a Child Bride” offers a look at the lasting impact of early marriage and the exploitation that can occur within relationships with large age disparities. It’s a story that encourages a critical look at the media’s role, the pressures of fame, and the importance of protecting young people.
