The Harrowing Truth Behind Courtney Stodden’s Experience with Cyberbullying
In a poignant revelation during the premiere of the ABC News documentary IMPACT x Nightline: Confessions of a Child Bride, Courtney Stodden opened up about the severe repercussions of online bullying, sharing how it led them to contemplate suicide. This impactful documentary, released on Hulu on March 20, 2025, highlights the gravity of cyberbullying in the digital age.
Echoes of the Past: The Role of Celebrity Harassment
Stodden, now 30 years old, reflected on the tumultuous messages received from public figures such as Chrissy Teigen during their controversial marriage to Doug Hutchison at the tender age of 16. The memories of Teigen’s disparaging tweets from 2011 and 2012 resurfaced, with one particularly egregious tweet allegedly wishing for Stodden to take a “dirt nap.”Stodden recounted these experiences in a clip shared with ABC News during the documentary’s launch.
The Fallout and Apology
Following the resurgence of Teigen’s past remarks in 2021, public outcry ensued, forcing her to confront her actions and apologize on May 12 of the same year through a post on X (formerly Twitter). In her statement, Teigen expressed feelings of being “mortified and sad”about her past behavior, admitting to being “an insecure, attention-seeking troll.”
Stodden’s Struggle with Depression
Within the documentary, Stodden candidly shared that the harsh treatment they endured led them to write a suicide note. Their moving account included the admission:
“I did actually almost succeed at committing suicide because [the cyberbullying] was a huge part of it. I had a suicide letter written,”Stodden revealed.
Throughout this emotional interview, Stodden had to pause to collect themselves, further emphasizing the profound impact these experiences had on their mental health.
Sustained Impact of Online Hate
Teigen’s resurfaced tweets triggered significant backlash, prompting her to address the controversy in 2021 during an appearance on NBC’s “Today.”She stated that the experience had motivated her to become a better person. However, in April 2022, Stodden disclosed to Page Six that they remained blocked by Teigen on X, suggesting that her public apology might have prioritized her audience’s perception over genuine accountability.
Studio’s Personal Journey
Reflecting on the damage inflicted by cyberbullying, Stodden conveyed the emotional toll it took on them, stating:
“It really affected me deeply being told that I’m worth more dead and that people want to see me dead. I was getting death threats from the normal person to celebrities.”
A Message of Empowerment and Resilience
In the spirit of healing and empowerment, Stodden recently participated in International Women’s Day by sharing an uplifting message on Instagram:
“To all the women who have stood up for what’s right to those who lift each other up and fight together, to every girl who has dreamed and never given up, and to every woman who spreads love and strength—your resilience, courage, and kindness inspire the world.”
The ABC News documentary IMPACT x Nightline: Confessions of a Child Bride offers insight into Stodden’s struggles and triumphs, now available for streaming on Hulu, allowing audiences to engage deeply with their story.