Howie Mandel 'Kinda' Regrets Apologizing to Kelly Ripa After Awkward Interview

The comedian opened up about his mixed feelings over his public apology following a tense exchange on 'Live with Kelly and Mark'.

Apr. 2, 2026 at 12:19pm

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Howie Mandel has admitted that he has mixed feelings about apologizing to Kelly Ripa after their awkward interview on Live with Kelly and Mark. The drama started on March 23 when Ripa joked about Mandel's age, leading to a tense exchange between the two. Mandel later made a public apology on Instagram, but now says he 'kinda regrets' doing so, as he doesn't believe comedians should have to apologize for jokes.

Why it matters

The incident highlights the delicate balance comedians must strike when addressing sensitive topics like age, and the potential backlash they can face even for lighthearted comments. Mandel's comments also touch on broader debates around cancel culture and whether public figures should apologize for perceived missteps.

The details

During the March 23 interview, Ripa pointed out that Mandel recently celebrated his 70th birthday, before joking that his age 'doesn't make any sense.' When Mandel's co-host Mark Consuelos interjected that Mandel looked 'great,' the comedian shot back, 'I [do] look great. That doesn't mean anything to me.' Mandel complained that he doesn't like people commenting on his age because it always comes as 'a caveat.' Ripa tried to clarify that she wasn't trying to say Mandel looked 'great for 70,' before he interrupted again to declare, 'It's like saying you're smart for a stupid person. 'Oh, you look smart! You seem smart!' I don't look good.' Mandel later added, 'Honestly, now, I'll be serious for a minute: I'm gorgeous. I am. I am.'

  • The awkward interview took place on March 23, 2026.
  • Mandel made a public apology on his Instagram on March 28, 2026.
  • Mandel's comments about regretting the apology were made on the 'Hot Mics with Billy Bush' podcast on March 31, 2026.

The players

Howie Mandel

A 70-year-old comedian and television personality, known for his roles on shows like America's Got Talent.

Kelly Ripa

The 55-year-old co-host of the long-running daytime talk show Live with Kelly and Mark, alongside her husband Mark Consuelos.

Mark Consuelos

Kelly Ripa's husband and co-host on Live with Kelly and Mark.

Michael Gelman

The longtime executive producer of Live with Kelly and Mark.

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What they’re saying

“If somebody is offended [or] if somebody feels that I did wrong, then I apologize. I don't believe in apologizing but, as I said in my post, which I kinda regret making the post, I don't think you should apologize for a joke.”

— Howie Mandel, Comedian

“During these divided times, one thing we can all agree upon is that you do look great … for your age.”

— Michael Gelman, Executive Producer, Live with Kelly and Mark

The takeaway

Mandel's comments highlight the delicate balance comedians must strike when addressing sensitive topics like age, and the potential backlash they can face even for lighthearted comments. His mixed feelings about apologizing also touch on broader debates around cancel culture and whether public figures should apologize for perceived missteps.