Photo: SplashNews.com
Courtney Stodden’s new memoir will provide a closer look into various aspects of their life, including their controversial marriage with ex-husbandDoug Hutchison.
In an interview withFox News, the 27-year-old reality star — whocame out in April 2021 as non-binary, saying they prefer they/them pronouns — opened up about the challenges they have faced while writing their untitled book.
“A lot of different chapters in my life have been challenging to live through once and then to kind of go back and relive it again in order to tell the story is extra challenging,” they explained. “But it also gives me a better insight.”
“I’m working with a therapist right now to kind of process it all, too, as I’m writing it out and reliving it again,” Stodden continued. “And it’s freeing. It’s definitely given me a better outlook on it. I see it for what it is.”
Stodden gained public attention in 2011 when they controversially wedHutchison, 61. TheGreen Mileactor was 51 at the time while Stodden was only 16.
Since tying the knot, the former pairseparatedandreconciledmultiple times before splitting for good in 2016. Stodden alsosuffered a miscarriagemonths before the exes' final breakup.
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Speaking about their former marriage, Stodden told Fox News that writing the book has provided them with a new perspective.
“It has shined a light on the grooming and what happened to me and what actually happens to a lot of other children in the USA as well,” they said.
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Stodden also noted that they believe they became “so strong” through this experience.
“I am a really empathetic, sensitive person, and I always have been. But my experience has made me so strong,” theCelebrity Big Brotheralum told the news outlet. “If it didn’t happen, I feel like my whole outlook on life would be so different. Experiences that are traumatizing can either break us or we can utilize them to shape us into a stronger individual.”
Added Stodden: “And that’s really one of the main reasons why I’m speaking out is because I want past victims and survivors to really tap into that part of themselves. We are so strong. It’s just really made me very fearless.”
A rep for Hutchison did not immediately respond to PEOPLE’s request for comment.
RELATED VIDEO: Courtney Stodden Opens Up About Split From Husband Doug Hutchison
Stoddenconfirmed their divorcefrom Hutchison in March 2020, saying they felt “absolutely taken advantage of” during the relationship.
“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,” theywrote on Instagram.
Stodden then directed their post toward Hutchison, explaining how they’ll “always love” the actor but will also “always be angry” with the ways in which he treated them.
“You’ve left me — a child woman, feeling belittled and confused. These things I shall overcome,” added Stodden. “I wish you well. 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.”
Stoddenis now engagedto boyfriend Chris Sheng.
source: people.com
