Howie Mandel is apologizing to Kelly Ripa after berating her during a tense on-air conversation.
Earlier this week, the 70-year-old TV personality appeared as a guest on stay with kelly and mark. At one point, the conversation took a turn when Kelly complimented the comedian’s appearance.
“It doesn’t make any sense,” Kelly said, before Howie quickly interjected, “What do you mean it doesn’t make any sense? That I look great?”
Kelly clarified, “We’re not saying you look great at 70. We’re saying you look great, and I can’t believe you’re 70.”
Howie addressed the situation on Instagram on Saturday, saying it was all a joke.
“I’ve been debating for 48 hours whether or not I should post this. And I don’t know if I’m doing the right thing philosophically,” Howie begins his video.
The TV star continued, “I don’t believe that anyone… who is a comedian needs to apologize for a joke. It’s a joke. It’s meant as a joke, and it’s not meant to offend… In all my years, 50 years in the business, I’ve never apologized publicly (for a joke). That’s hard for me.”
“But this is for Kelly Ripa, who, in the past, has been incredibly supportive. I’ve not only been a guest on her show, but I’ve also co-hosted with her, and I’ve known her for years… When I go out there, I just try to be entertaining and funny, and sometimes, as a comedian, things don’t go the way you want them to,” he continued. America’s Got Talent judge.
