‘Live’ EP Michael Gelman Responds to Howie Mandel’s Apology to Kelly Ripa for Awkward On-Air Ordeal

Live with Kelly and Mark executive producer Michael Gelman has entered the chat.

After Howie Mandel apologized to Kelly Ripa for an awkwardly tense moment during an episode of her and Mark Consuelos’ daytime talk show last week, the longtime Live employee, 64, weighed in.

In the comments section of Mandel’s post — in which the America’s Got Talent judge said he was sorry for how he reacted when the married couple, both 55, tried to compliment him for how great he looks at age 70 — Gelman offered a cheeky response.

“During these divided times, one thing we can all agree upon is that you do look great … for your age,” he wrote, garnering over 1,300 likes on his comment.

Other celebrities also chimed in on Mandel’s light-hearted apology, referencing his appearance.

“I’m sorry you look so good,” wrote Terry Crews, while Tom Bergeron said: “That was the smoothest pivot to self-love I’ve ever seen…apart from my own morning conversations to my mirror.”

During the March 23 broadcast, Mandel firmly pushed back when Ripa and Consuelos complimented him, saying, “I look great? That doesn’t mean anything to me. No, no, no, no. I don’t like that because that’s a caveat.”

On Saturday, March 28, Mandel shared a public apology via Instagram with a video message addressed directly to Ripa.

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

“This is for Kelly Ripa, who in the past has been incredibly supportive,” he noted, also saying the same about Gelman. “Not only have I been a guest on our show, but I’ve cohosted 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,” he continued. “And I don’t know how to say this, but not only do I want to say I’m sorry to Kelly but — and this is the hardest part — you’re right.”

Then, Mandel joked, “You’re absolutely right. I’m sorry I didn’t see it that way. And after a lot of thought and self-reflection… I do. I look great for my age. I really do. I really look fantastic.”