Fans Criticize Kelly Ripa for Her Joint Statement on Regis Philbin's Death — Here's Why

On July 24, 2020, television personality Regis Philbin passes away at the age of 88. Kelly Ripa and her co-host, Ryan Seacrest released a joint statement about the late star that appeared to ruffle a few feathers.

In their joint statement, the “Live with Kelly and Ryan” co-hosts wrote how they were “beyond saddened to learn about the loss of Regis Philbin.” The pair described him as “the ultimate class act” who brought his “laughter and joy” into people’s homes daily on “Live.”

The duo also noted how he’d helmed the show “for more than 23 years.” Ripa and Seacrest revealed that they were “beyond lucky” to have had Philbin as their career mentor.

Kelly Ripa at the 92nd Annual Academy Awards at Hollywood and Highland on February 09, 2020, in California | Photo: Jeff Kravitz/FilmMagic/Getty Images

FILLING IN HIS SHOES

They also appreciated being able to be inspired by him to “fill his shoes on the show.” The co-host’s concluded their joint post by sharing their condolences to his family.

The statement wasn’t well-received by some of Philbin’s fans. One person clarified how the statement hadn’t been from Ripa but was “written on her behalf coming from the #KellyandRyan show.”

RIPA NEVER CALLED PHILBIN

The fan also felt Seacrest’s “tribute” was “empty” too. The person tweeted how Philbin and Ripa never had a relationship.

Another person questioned if Ripa wasn’t the one who failed to call Philbin after he left “Live.” A third social media user revealed how he wasn’t “sure” how he felt about the star’s “tribute.”

FAN NOT PLEASED WITH TRIBUTE

The fan complained about Ripa and Seacrest posting the same message. Noting he was grateful Ripa posted anything at all; he still believed “it would have been nice to have something from the heart.”

KELLY AND REGIS WORKED TOGETHER

Ripa worked with Philbin on “Live” from 2001 to 2011, when she took over from Kathie Lee Gifford. The late star retired in 2011 after appearing on the morning program for more than 28 years.

REGIS & KELLY NEVER GOT ALONG

Despite them having great chemistry on screen, the pair allegedly didn’t get along off-screen. In 2017, while speaking to Larry King, Philbin revealed he and Ripa hadn’t been in contact since he left the show.

PHILBIN BLAMED RIPA

He shared how Ripa had been offended when he left and thought she was the cause. Philbin clarified the reason for his departure stating that his role on the show wasn’t right for him anymore.

RIPA PINS BLAME ON PHILBIN

In a different interview, Ripa alleged that her former co-host was more “business-like, with little interaction behind the scenes.” Besides his many achievements, the late star was also an author of five books.

Two of the books were a collection of recipes with former co-host Gifford.

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