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Howie Mandel made a name for himself as the longest-running judge on America’s Got Talent, often praising comedy-based acts on the show. Recently, his conversation with Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos received negative attention, and he posted a video apology to Ripa in response. While the snafu with Ripa is putting Mandel in the spotlight, he also commented on cancel culture before the Ripa moment. Here’s what he said.

Howie Mandel commented on cancel culture in comedy before his now-infamous Kelly Ripa moment

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Howie Mandel found himself at the center of an unexpected social‑media storm after a tense exchange on Live with Kelly and Mark on March 23. Co‑hosts Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos tried to compliment him on looking great for his age as he celebrated his 70th birthday. However, Mandel pushed back, suggesting age‑related compliments often come with a caveat. He quipped that it was like telling someone they’re “smart for a stupid person.” The awkwardness went viral, prompting Mandel to post a rare Instagram apology.

According to Page Six, Mandel commented on “cancel culture” in comedy before the on-air moment with Ripa and Consuelos.

“I think comedy took a hit in the last decade,” Mandel told the publication at a showcase for comedians on America’s Got Talent at the Laugh Factory in Hollywood on Feb. 2, 2026.

“There’s been cancel culture,” he continued. “But I think the pendulum has swung back. Some of the edgiest comics are selling out arenas multi-nights. Some of the biggest comics are incredibly edgy. But comedy now is bigger than it has ever been, and I think the reason it is bigger than it has ever been is because they say that laughter is the best medicine. And I think we need more medicine now than we have ever needed on this globe. And that’s why I want to give comedy as good a chance as it could possibly have on America’s Got Talent. I would love to see a winner.”

Mandel also noted that he understands that AGT is a family-friendly show. With this in mind, the edgiest comics likely won’t be featured.

“I just believe in responsible broadcasting,” he continued. “So, you know, AGT happens to be a network show which is supported by advertisers, and they have a right to sell their product in a lane that they believe their audience is. So, I’m responsible enough not to go there, or we’re responsible enough not to allow comics or anybody on that stage to go where they shouldn’t go that wouldn’t be supported by the people who support the show.”

The ‘America’s Got Talent’ host ‘kind of’ regrets his video apology

Howie Mandel issued a sweet apology to Kelly Ripa following their on-air exchange.

“But this is for Kelly Ripa, who, in the past, has been incredibly supportive,” he said in his video in March 2026. “Not only have I been a guest on her show, but I have co-hosted 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. 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. You’re absolutely right. And I’m sorry I didn’t see it that way.”

Now, it seems Mandel wishes he had never issued the statement.

“I don’t believe in apologizing, but as I said in that post, which I kind of regret making, obviously, I told a joke that didn’t land well,” Mandel said on Hot Mics with Billy Bush, according to the Daily Beast. “Comedians always say, ‘If you can make one person laugh, you’re doing the job,’ but apparently that’s not enough.”

“I tried to apologize. I agreed with people, I do,” he told Billy Bush.

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