Howie Mandel reacts after tense exchange with Kelly Ripa goes viral

Howie Mandel is apologizing to Kelly Ripa after scolding her in a tense on-air exchange.

Earlier this week, the 70-year-old TV personality appeared as a guest on Live with Kelly and Mark. At one point, the conversation took a turn when Kelly complimented the comedian on his appearance.

"It doesn't make any sense," Kelly said, before Howie quickly interjected, "What do you mean it doesn't make any sense? That I look great?"

Kelly clarified, "We're not saying you look great for 70. We're saying you look great, and I don't believe you're 70."

Howie addressed the situation on Instagram Saturday, saying it was all a joke.

“I have been debating for 48 hours whether I should make this post or not. And I don't know if I'm doing the right thing, philosophically,” Howie began in his video.

“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 … In all my years, 50 years in the business, I haven't ever publicly kind of apologized for [a joke]. It’s hard for me,” continued the TV star.

“But this is for Kelly Ripa, who, in the past, has been incredibly supportive. 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,” added the America's Got Talent judge.