“America’s Got Talent” judge Howie Mandel has sent a message to Kelly Ripa following an awkward exchange during his appearance on “Live with Kelly and Mark.” Ripa tried to compliment Mandel on his aging well, but the 70-year-old did not take it that way, leading to a tense on-air moment. Mandel had time to reflect on the situation and offered some kind words to Ripa.
Howie Mandel Apologizes to Kelly Ripa Over ‘LIVE with Kelly and Mark’ Exchange
In an Instagram video, Mandel got brutally honest about what happened with Ripa. The comedian admitted he had been “debating for 48 hours” over whether to make the social media post.
Even as he was recording the video, Mandel revealed he still wasn’t sure if this was the right move.
“Philosophically, I don’t believe that somebody needs to, somebody who’s a comedian needs to apologize for a joke. It is a joke, it is meant as a joke, and it’s not meant to offend,” he expressed.
Mandel explained that, never in his 50-year career, has he publicly apologized for anything he said. However, that has now changed as Mandal shared a message to the “All My Children” alum.
“This is hard for me. But this is for Kelly Ripa, who in the past has been incredibly supportive. Not only have I been a guest on her show, I’ve co-hosted with her, and I’ve known her for years. Michael Gelman, who is a really close friend, is the producer of the show,” Mandel stated.
The reality TV star shared that when he’s doing his thing, he’s just trying to be entertaining, nothing else. Mandel firmly understands that, as a comedian, not everything he says lands the right way, which was the case with Ripa and her husband, Mark Consuelos.
“Not only do I want to say I’m sorry to Kelly, but and this is the hardest part, you’re right. You’re absolutely right, and I’m sorry I didn’t see it that way,” the AGT star shared, before adding that he looks really good for being 70 years old.
Why Is Howie Mandel Publicly Apologizing to Kelly Ripa?
For those who may have missed what happened. Mandel turned 70 last November, as Consuelos mentioned at the beginning of the interview. Ripa tried to say that it makes no sense, Mandel is 70 because he looks so great.
The comedian immediately pushed back, saying he didn’t like Ripa saying that. Mandel declared, “No. No. It’s like saying you’re smart for a stupid person.”
Despite Consuelos and Ripa’s attempts to get Mandel to see it as a compliment, he didn’t at the time. There was laughter, but it was uncomfortable.
Mandel turned things around by joking that he was “gorgeous,” getting a chuckle from the audience and hosts. The conversation eventually switched to Mandel’s workout, and everyone moved past the moment.
Get out of the sun, Howie..premature aging can happen!
Howie, you don’t look a day over 75.
He’s a comic? never found him funny and I dont like him on AGT either; doesnt seem to be a nice guy. If you dont want to apologize then dont! it was like listening to him slowly sinking. sheez!