“At one time, we thought we were friends”: Kelly Ripa Allegedly Bullied Michael Strahan Out of “Live”, Her Insufferable Attitude Forced Him into Joining Good Morning America
Kelly Ripa is known for her charming attitude on screen. She has been a part of the morning show Live! for quite a few years, and has hosted her show alongside different co-hosts like Michael Strahan and Ryan Seacrest. However, despite her charming nature onscreen, there have been reports of the actress having an insufferable attitude that felt like bullying. The former footballer Michael Strahan, who has intimidated several big athletes of his time, felt ex-co-host Kelly Ripa under his skin, making his life miserable.
The former athlete, therefore, decided to leave Live and make his career in Good Morning America. Kelly Ripa’s insufferable attitude and offscreen bullying made Strahan quit his post-football career on Live and choose GMA.
Michael Strahan falling out with Kelly Ripa, chose GMA over Live
Jumping from Live to GMA was a big decision for Michael Strahan and not an easy one. But somehow moving on to GMA was an easy call for the former footballer over staying back and working with co-host Kelly Ripa. Right after Strahan’s retirement from football, he got instant attention and recognition as he joined Live. It was later claimed by sources that Strahan’s instant fame might have stolen Ripa’s shine, which she couldn’t accept. Thus, the actress allegedly went on to bully him offscreen, despite her onscreen chemistry with him.
Way before Michael Strahan got his opportunity in GMA, sources revealed Kelly Ripa’s tormenting attitude towards the former athlete. Despite the on-screen bonding between the two, the offscreen conditions deteriorated and got to the point of “bullying”. GMA gave Michael Strahan the recognition and money that he deserved as well as the rights to continue his sports-related activities. However, choosing GMA over Live was never his intention, but somehow Ripa’s insufferable attitude went beyond tolerance.
TMZ reported, when Michael Strahan declared his decision of quitting Live, Ripa’s response came in late and was “short and superficial”. Ripa later claimed her perspective which was considered uncomfortable for everyone.
Michael Strahan opened up about Kelly Ripa’s off-camera bullying
Ever since Michael Strahan left Live and joined GMA, and Kelly Ripa shared her perspective, sources revealed that things got heated. According to insiders, a lot of conflicts resurfaced after Strahan quit his role and a lot of people called the former athlete not “present enough”.
The former footballer later revealed in an interview with People his honest opinions regarding the show and why he decided to quit. Strahan shared,
“The most disappointing thing to me was that I was painted as the bad guy because I value the way I carry myself”. He continued “I don’t want people to see me as ‘Oh, he just ran out, just left them there.’ That’s just not true”.
Further in the interview, Strahan opened up about Kelly Ripa being a bully on set behind the scenes. The two hosts of Live had already wrecked their relationship and were therefore not scared to come at each other. “I wasn’t surprised by her reaction at all, but I can’t control somebody else’s actions. I was there four years, and it’s about more than just being in front of the camera” Strahan stated. He further shared about the behavior he had to put up with. Strahan opened up with no hard feelings against Ripa.
“At one point I think we were friends. I don’t know what happened at the end. I learned a lot from her, though.” He further added, “Toward the end of it all, we didn’t really communicate that much.”
With age and expertise, Michael Strahan learned to brush things off. Despite no hard feelings, Michael Strahan opened up about Kelly Ripa’s bullying attitude to clear his bad image.
Source: People
