Just days after issuing an apology to Kelly Ripa, Howie Mandel now seems to be having second thoughts.
On the March 31 episode of “Hot Mics With Billy Bush,” Mandel admitted he somehow regrets posting an apology to Ripa on social media.
“If somebody is offended, if somebody feels that I did wrong, then I apologize,” the “America’s Got Talent” judge said. “I don’t believe in apologizing but as I said in that post—which, I kind of regret making the post—”
Host Billie Bush cut in and asked why he regrets speaking out after the awkward on-air exchange.
“I don’t think you should apologize for a joke,” Mandel explained. “And I do agree. People are saying it wherever I go now, I do think I look good. I don’t even think the caveat is for 70—I just think I look good.”
Howie Mandel Hopes the Backlash Ends Soon
Mandel reiterated that he was attempting a joke with Ripa, which “didn’t land well.”
“Comedians always say, ‘If you can make one person laugh, you’re doing the job,'” the “Deal or No Deal” alum added. “But apparently, that’s not enough.”
Mandel also admitted that the controversy with Ripa made him focus more on his appearance.
“Up until a couple of weeks ago, I don’t really focus on my looks. I focus on staying healthy and vibrant,” Mandel shared. “But this has made me—I now focus. And I don’t know if that’s healthy. I’m focusing more on my exterior, on how I project myself.”
The “America’s Got Talent” judge now hopes that the backlash surrounding the tense on-air exchange with Ripa ends soon.
“I don’t know what’s going on and I don’t know when this will end,” he added. “And I hope it ends soon because I didn’t mean to cause any disruption. I didn’t mean to embarrass anybody.”
Fans React to Howie Mandel’s Latest Remarks
Meanwhile, fans weighed in on the issue in the comments, with some supporting Mandel and others criticizing his move.
One fan wrote, “He doesn’t need to apologize. It’s ridiculous. He’s truthful with his comment. That’s part of having a talk show, and you don’t prepare yourself with questions.”
Another commented, “You look fantastic, and I think you shouldn’t apologize.” Someone chimed in, “Did people forget he is a comedian?”
A commenter noted,”I don’t think Kelly was offended. Her fans were.” Another added, “Don’t ever apologize if you don’t mean it and you don’t believe it.”
The drama started when Mandel appeared to respond negatively to a compliment from Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos on “Live with Kelly and Mark.”
“We’re saying you look great, and I don’t believe you’re 70,” Ripa clarified.
“No, no — it’s like saying you’re smart for a stupid person. ‘Oh, you seem smart, you seem smart,’ you see, no, I don’t look good,” Mandel clapped back.
Later, Mandel posted an apology on Instagram, reiterating that the conversation was “meant as a joke and it’s not meant to offend.”
“But this is for Kelly Ripa, who in the past has been incredibly supportive,” Mandel said in the March 29 video. “Not only have I been a guest on her show, but I have cohosted with her and I’ve known her for years.”
