Former NFL star Michael Strahan recently gave an exclusive interview to Time magazine, where he opened up about his fractured relationship with his former co-host, Kelly Ripa. The two haven’t spoken in a long time, leaving fans shocked and wondering what caused their falling-out.
Michael and Kelly were known for their on-screen chemistry and witty banter during their time hosting the popular daytime talk show, “Live with Kelly and Michael.” However, when Michael made the decision to leave the show in 2016 and join ABC’s “Good Morning America,” it caught Kelly off guard, leaving her feeling blindsided.
During the interview, Michael admitted that their once-thriving friendship took a major hit during this time. He didn’t inform Kelly about his new opportunity beforehand, which added to the strain. Kelly even took a nearly one-week leave after his announcement, highlighting the importance of communication, consideration, and respect in the workplace upon her return.
Michael’s departure from “Live” in May 2016 left a void that was temporarily filled by guest co-hosts until Ryan Seacrest eventually became his permanent replacement about a year later. Meanwhile, Michael’s career continued to soar across various platforms, including co-hosting the third hour of “Good Morning America,” appearing on “Fox NFL Sunday,” and hosting the game show “The $100,000 Pyramid.”
While the true reasons behind Michael and Kelly’s strained relationship remain undisclosed, it’s clear that their falling-out had a lasting impact. However, despite the rift, many people still stand by Michael, expressing their loyalty on social media. Some commenters believe that Kelly may not be as nice as she appears, recalling her past falling-out with Regis. Others believe that Michael didn’t owe Kelly any explanations about his career decisions, emphasizing that he has the right to make choices for himself.
A commenter shed some light on the situation, revealing that the head of Disney asked Michael to keep his move to “Good Morning America” a secret to avoid alerting the competition. When your boss tells you to keep quiet, you keep quiet.
Ultimately, the strained relationship between Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa serves as a reminder that even in the world of television, relationships can be complex. Three years after his departure, Michael’s interview with Time magazine shows that their once-strong bond is still a work in progress.