Kelly Ripa - reportedly outraged over how the exit of her co-host Michael Strahan was handled - is staying away and maintaining her silence.
PAST COVERAGE: Furious Kelly Ripa stays away from "Live" .. Kelly Ripa skips "Live" the day after Michael Strahan announces exit .. Michael Strahan leaving "Live" to focus on "GMA"
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Although the show has officially described her absence as a prescheduled vacation, reports in numerous media outlets suggest otherwise.
TMZ reports that crew members, fearful for their jobs, are starting to grouse. The New York Daily News reports she's "dodging" Strahan's calls and previously reported that Ripa "threw a fit" when she learned he would be leaving. The Wrap posted a piece saying "Ripa is having a diva-like fit of pique."
The New York Time reports "rancor behind the scenes" while Variety reports that "Ripa was angry after ABC executives gathered her, Strahan and the show's staff together at the end of Tuesday's taping to reveal that Strahan would end his run at 'Live' in four months, then move full time to 'GMA.' Immediately afterward, the network announced the move publicly. That night, Strahan received a call from the show telling him that Ripa would not be coming to work the next day."
Erin Andrews filled in on Thursday. She and Strahan cheerily discussed health news and other topics, including how tight Andrews' dress was.
"I'm in a dress I cannot breathe in," she said. "If I do breathe, you'll see it. Good golly!"
Credit: Jennifer Brett
Credit: Jennifer Brett
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