Michael Gelman Responds to Howie Mandel’s Apology in Live EP
Live With Kelly and Mark executive producer Michael Gelman is chiming in on Howie Mandel’s memorable interview with Kelly Ripa.
Following Mandel’s apology to Ripa, 55, after their viral exchange about looking great at 70, Gelman, 64, chose to engage with the buzz circulating online.
“In these polarized times, we can all agree that you look fantastic … for your age,” Gelman commented on Mandel’s apology video on Instagram on Saturday, March 28.
When a follower responded, “It was actually meant to be a joke! He looks great 👏🏻,” Gelman recognized that opinions are abundant regarding the light-hearted exchange.
“Everyone is a critic,” he replied to the commenter.
The humor initiated during the March 23 episode of Live With Kelly and Mark, when Mandel jokingly took issue with Ripa’s remark that “it doesn’t make any sense” for him to be 70.
“What do you mean it doesn’t make any sense?” Mandel inquired. “I look great. That doesn’t mean anything to me … It’s like saying you’re smart for a foolish person. ‘Oh, you seem smart!’ I don’t look good.”
This exchange has generated headlines online and even prompted Mandel (in a playful manner) to issue an apology on his social media.
“For 48 hours, I’ve been deliberating whether to post this or not, and I’m unsure if it’s the right call. Philosophically, I don’t think a comedian should have to apologize for a joke,” Mandel stated in a March 28 Instagram video. “It is a joke intended for humor, not to offend. You may dislike it; in all my years in this industry, I’ve never publicly apologized for [a joke].”
The America’s Got Talent judge continued, “Honestly, I want to apologize to Kelly, but here’s the tough part. You were right. Absolutely correct, and I regret I didn’t see it that way … I look great for my age. I really do. I look fantastic, and I just need to embrace how good I look.”
Gelman isn’t alone in noticing Mandel’s apology. Many celebrities chimed in on the video with their own humorous takes.
“I’m sorry you look so good 😂,” Terry Crews commented. Tom Bergeron added, “🤣 That was the smoothest transition to self-love I’ve ever witnessed… apart from my own morning chats with the mirror 👏🏼.”
