Howie Mandel's Apology U-Turn: A Hollywood Beef

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Howie Mandel is backpedaling on his apology to Kelly Riepa after a joke about his age when sideways.

On her show with Mark Consuelos, Kelly complimented how good he looks despite turning 70, but how he quitted felt like a backhanded caveat just for his years.

He followed up with an Instagram video on March 29th, owning it as a failed joke and praising Kelly's support over the years, even admitting.

She might be right about his looks, but now he's regretting that post big time.

On the March 31st episode of Hot Mikes with Billy Bush, howie said he doesn't believe in apologizing for jokes, period.

He tried to laugh it off during the live moment, but couldn't stop reading the backlash online.

The whole thing has him obsessing over his appearance more than ever, and he's hoping the drama fades fast since no harm was meant.

Live's executive producer Michael Gelman even cheekily responded, quoting comedians on making just one person laugh.

This mini-spat joins a long list of celeb beefs from Tan, France, and Bobby Burke's Queer Eye Fallout to Cardi B and Nicki Minaj's tour clashes, showing how quick compliments can spark fire in Hollywood.