Howie Mandel has apologized to Kelly Ripa over his on-air age comment. Mandel took to Instagram to make his apology, stating in a video posted on March 29, 2026, starting out by saying that he had been debating on whether or not he should post a apology and that he doesn't believe that a comedian needs to apologize for a joke:"Okay, I've been debating for 48 hours whether to post or not, and 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. You could not like it."Mandel added that in his 50 years in the industry, this was the first time he was apologizing to someone publicly, and he was doing so for Kelly Ripa, who he said, has been supportive of him in the past:"In my 50 years in the business, I haven't ever publicly kind of apologized so this is hard for me. But this is for Kelly Ripa, who in the past has been incredibly supportive. Not only have I been a guest on her show, I've cohosted with her and known her for years."He went on to make his actual apology, stating that sometimes jokes and comments aren't always interpreted the way they are meant to be by those making it. He then said to Ripa that she had been right and he was sorry that he didn't see that she was right:"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. 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."He ended the statement, saying:"You’re absolutely right, and I’m sorry I didn’t see it that way. But after a lot of thought and self-reflection, I look great for my age. I really do. I look fantastic, and I just have to embrace the fact that I look this good." View this post on Instagram Instagram PostFor those unaware, Mandel's apology comes after he refused to accept a compliment from Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos during an appearance on Live with Kelly and Mark on March 23, 2026.More on the Howie Mandel and Kelly Ripa interview momentThe original interview moment happened when Consuelos mentioned that Howie Mandel was 70 and had recently celebrated his 70th birthday. Ripa added that it didn't make any sense, leading to Mandel questioning what she meant by her comment of not making sense and saying that Consuelos' remarks that he looked great didn't mean anything and he didn't like that compliment, since he felt it was conditional.New York Post @nypostLINKHowie Mandel snaps at Kelly Ripa on 'Live' https://trib.al/IxjcXPUKell Ripa replied saying that she and Consuelos had meant Howie Mandel looked great, period and not that he looked great for his age. Ultimately, the moment passed and as mentioned above, Mandel has now posted a apology to Kelly Ripa. Kelly Ripa has not responded to Mandel's apology as of the writing of this article.Howie Mandel, as mentioned previously, is a comedian and is known for his iconic voicing Gizmo in Gremlins as well as other voice acting roles in shows like Muppet Babies. Howie Mandel is also known for having been a judge on America's Got Talent: The Champions. Follow Soap Central for more!