Kathie Lee Gifford will not be reading Kelly Ripa's new memoir, thanks but no thanks.
Gifford, in an interview with Fox 5 New York said she is uninterested in reading the memoir Ripa is currently promoting. The crux of the issue seems to be what Ripa may or may not have said about her tenure with Regis Philbin as co-host of Live!, a position Gifford once held.
In 2001, Ripa took over and co-hosted with Philbin for ten years.
The former All My Children actor detailed some of Philbin's alleged requests in two chapters of her book, including that her name be smaller than his on the title card and brand marketing. Ripa claimed Philbin once called her "it" while she was pregnant.
The host of the current iteration—Live! With Kelly and Ryan—called working with Philbin "a great privilege" but added "it was not an easy working relationship."
When asked her thoughts about Ripa's book and the details within, Gifford responded:
"We see headlines all the time, you know, you never know what’s true and what's not true..."
"I went, 'I hope this isn’t true. I just hope it isn't.' Cause what’s the point? You know, I don't get it."
"I don't get it. I’m not gonna read the book. I haven't read it. I don't even know if it's out yet."
Kathie Lee Gifford says she won't read Kelly Ripa's new bookyoutu.be
Reactions showed internet love for Gifford and distaste for Ripa.
Ripa drew widespread criticism similar to Gifford's comments. Many asked why reveal her experience with Philbin only after he is dead.
First, some commented on the players themselves.
\u201cKathie Lee Gifford said she wants all the smoke with Kelly Ripa! It\u2019s going down the Hobby Lobby parking lot!\u201d— \u1d05\u1d0f\u029f\u029f\u1d00\u0280 (@\u1d05\u1d0f\u029f\u029f\u1d00\u0280) 1665525964
Especially on Gifford's assertion she wouldn't be reading Ripa's book.
\u201c@people I say this about all books\u201d— People (@People) 1665524400
There were some people who were kinder to Ripa, albeit a small minority.
\u201c@nypost Doesn\u2019t sound like she made negative comments about the Reg. Sounds like her issue was with the show, and the people running it.\u201d— New York Post (@New York Post) 1665495883
Again, many noted the timing of her memoir allegedly filled with accusations only coming out after Philbin's death.
\u201c@TMZ @TooFab Notice, Kelly writes now about Regis. Since Regis isn't alive, he can't defend himself.\u201d— TMZ (@TMZ) 1665430807
\u201c@nypost They always wait until the person is dead so they can\u2019t defend themselves against the pettiness\u201d— New York Post (@New York Post) 1665490662
\u201cWow, what happened to not speaking ill of the dead \ud83e\udd26 she should've said all this while he was alive and could respond as compared to now \ud83e\udd26 suspicious she didn't since she felt compelled to write it in a book \ud83d\udc94 disrespectful AF to his wife and kids \ud83d\ude25 https://t.co/eSZns7UsIt\u201d— Dannielle Durham (@Dannielle Durham) 1665504635
Finally there were those who will also not be reading Ripa's book and praised Gifford's "class."
\u201c@people A lot of people won\u2019t be reading her book\u201d— People (@People) 1665438728
\u201c@people No one\u2019s going to read it! I won\u2019t. I loved Regis too much to even glance at it. Kelly Ripa is selfish and all about herself. She would be NOTHING if it wasn\u2019t for Regis.\u201d— People (@People) 1665438728
\u201cThe difference between Kathie Lee Gifford & Kelly Ripa is as follows\u2014 Kathie Lee has CLASS & respect for her former & current co-workers. Whereas Kelly lacks Class & only cares about herself no regard for former or current co-workers. Tune out Kelly Ripa.\u201d— Just Truth My Opinion (@Just Truth My Opinion) 1665506811
\u201c@nypost Regis was the best. Thank you Kathie Lee Gifford for being one of the few celebs left with grace and class.\u201d— New York Post (@New York Post) 1665490662
Ripa's book, Live Wire: Long-Winded Short Stories, was released on September 27.
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