Howie Mandel apologizes to Kelly Ripa after on-air tension

Howie Mandel publicly apologized to Kelly Ripa following a tense on-air exchange during a recent episode of Live with Kelly and Mark.

The comedian, 70, shared his apology in an Instagram video on Saturday, March 28, addressing a March 23 episode in which he refused to accept a compliment from Ripa about his appearance. 

At the time, Mandel argued that compliments tied to age, such as “you look great for your age,” come with a caveat, likening them to saying, “You’re smart for a stupid person.”

In the Instagram video, Mandel admitted he struggled with the decision to apologize. 

“I have been debating for 48 hours whether I should make this post or not. And I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, philosophically,” he said.

“I don't believe that 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. 

In all my years, 50 years in the business, I haven't ever publicly kind of apologized for [a joke]. It’s hard for me,” he continued.

Mandel said his apology was personal. “But this is for Kelly Ripa, who, in the past, has been incredibly supportive. Not only have I been a guest on her show, but I have 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 land the way you mean them to land.”

The comedian concluded with a heartfelt acknowledgment: “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.”

He added with a smile, “But after a lot of thought and self-reflection, I do look great for my age! I really do… I look fantastic, and I just have to embrace the fact that I look this good.”