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Howie Mandel Issues Rare Apology to Kelly Ripa After Tense ‘Live’ Exchange

He says the on-air joke about his age did not land as intended.

Overview

  • The apology video, posted Saturday, March 28 on Instagram, marked the first time in his 50-year career he has publicly apologized for a joke.
  • Mandel’s March 23 appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark turned tense when he rejected a compliment on looking good at 70, likening it to saying someone is “smart for a stupid person.”
  • In the video, he addressed Ripa directly, said “you’re right,” and apologized, then closed by conceding that he does look great for his age.
  • The post drew mixed responses, with executive producer Michael Gelman joking that Mandel looks great “for your age,” and celebrities like Terry Crews and Tom Bergeron weighing in.
  • Entertainment Weekly reported a source describing the exchange as casual banter, and outlets noted Ripa’s representatives had not commented, reflecting how short live moments can be recast by social media reaction.