Kelly Ripa Reportedly Received Apology From ABC Execs Over 'Live!' Drama
Kelly Ripa has reportedly received an apology from the top brass at ABC regarding the mishandled announcement of Live! co-host Michael Strahan's departure from the program.
The apology, which was also extended to Strahan and both hosts' agents, was issued by Disney-ABC Television Group President Ben Sherwood, as well as ABC execs Rebecca Campbell and James Goldston. Execs "expressed regret for the way Kelly was told the news," CNN reports.
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The apology mostly focused on ABC execs' failure to communicate the news of Strahan's lateral move from Live! to join the Good Morning America team. According to reports, the 44-year-old former NFL star informed Ripa himself, immediately before the news broke publicly.
In response, Ripa took a number of days off from the program, while Strahan stayed on to host. During the week, he frequently complimented his absent Live! partner and maintained a positive attitude without delving into the public controversy.
After a week of rumored conflict between the co-hosts, Ripa, 45, is expected to return to the morning talk show on Tuesday.
WATCH: Kelly Ripa Emails Staff, Will Return to 'Live!' Alongside Michael Strahan on Tuesday
Strahan, who joined Live!as Ripa's permanent co-host in September 2012, appeared at Help USA and 92Y’s Change Makers Event in New York City on Monday night where he opened up about the quote "unfortunate" controversy.
"I don't look at it as if I'm leaving one show in a lurch. I look at it as if, ‘You know what? I'm needed in this part of the family for now,'" Strahan explained, regarding his move from one ABC show to another. "I think it's just unfortunate how everything seems to be for a lot of people outside, because everyone has an opinion, without understanding what's going on and that's why."
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Strahan also opened up about his decision to not address the supposed controversy or respond to claims regarding a potential feud between the two hosts.
"You take the high road," Strahan offered. "If you argue with somebody who doesn't know what they're talking about and people see you arguing they don't know who's the fool."
Strahan is expected to move to GMA in September and continue to co-host with Ripa during the summer. However, speculation surrounding possible replacements has already kicked up.
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Ripa reached out to the Live! staff in an email Friday, where she thanked them for "giving me the time to process this new information."
"Your kindness, support and love has overwhelmed me," Ripa's note read. "We are a family and I look forward to seeing you all on Tuesday morning. Love, Kelly."
For more on Ripa's return to Live! on Tuesday, check out the video below.
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