“Live with Kelly and Mark” executive producer Michael Gellman teased drama between Kelly Ripa and Howie Mandel.
Gelman was commenting on Mandel’s recent apology to Ripa on Instagram for criticizing Ripa and her husband Mark Consuelos for complimenting her on her talk show for being “good looking for a 70-year-old.”
“In this divisive time, one thing we can all agree on is that you look great for your age,” Gelman cheekily wrote.
On last Monday’s episode of “Live with Kelly and Mark,” Mandel didn’t have much of a reaction to the couple celebrating turning 70.
“It doesn’t mean anything,” he said in response to Ripa and Consuelos’ well-meaning compliments about aging.
Ripa, 55, assured Mandel that the hosts were “not saying she looks good for a 70-year-old.” Rather, “We say you look great, but I don’t believe you’re 70 years old.”
But Mandel doubled down on his claims against the couple.
“No, no. It’s like saying you’re smart even though you’re stupid,” he explained, drawing laughter from the audience. “They’re like, ‘Oh, you look smart, you look smart,’ and, you know, no, I’m not good-looking.”
When Consuelos, 55, reiterated that Mandel does indeed “look good,” the “America’s Got Talent” judge defused the tense moment by agreeing that Mandel was “gorgeous.”
After the awkward exchange went viral, Mandel personally apologized to Ripa in an Instagram video on Sunday.
“This is a joke. It’s meant as a joke and I don’t mean to offend anyone,” he said, admitting that making the video was “tough” for him, who has never apologized for anything in his 50 years as a comedian.
Mandel added, “But this is because of Kelly Ripa, who has been very supportive in the past. I’ve known her for years, not only as a guest on her show, but also as a co-host with her.”
The podcast host explained that he was just trying to be “funny and funny,” but the jokes on the show didn’t “land” the way he had hoped.
And he jokingly said, “After much thought and introspection, I now look good for my age.”
“I really do. I look great. I have to accept the fact that I look this good,” Mandel joked.
Ripa and Consuelos have not responded to Mandel’s apology.
