If you're a fan of ABC's The Bachelor, then this one may not be for you. Kelly Ripa is currently in the middle of some online drama after coming after the show, saying she doesn't like it. Of course, the longtime talk show host is allowed to have her opinion, host Chris Harrison and creator Mike Fleiss don't agree.
Ripa, 48, brought up her disdain for the show on Live! With Kelly and Ryan on Tuesday's episode.
"Guys, you know how I feel about this show. It disgusts me," she said. "And I thought that I was disgusted because I couldn't stand the idea of 25 exceptional women fighting over one ordinary fella, in my opinion. You know how I feel, ladies: We are too special to be arguing over a guy."
Harrison then tweeted ""Look out #BachelorNation â¦@KellyRipaâ© is coming after you and your "˜disgusting' Monday night habit."
Fleiss echoed, saying "Easy, @KellyRipa ... #TheBachelor franchise pays your salary!"
Neither of those comments really went over well, as people thought it was disrespectful to Ripa, who has been on the network for years. A source close to Live! told People that those in glass houses shouldn't throw stones.
"It seems the fear of rejection runs deep over there," the source said. "Do these guys really want to bring attention to the fact that people should stop and look more closely at the completely outdated misogynistic nature of this show and its offensive premise of demeaning its participants?"
"They can't handle lighthearted criticism from a successful woman who has been on TV longer than their contestants have been alive," the source continued. "Kelly's time at Live predates these shows by years, so if anything, her success in syndication and promotion of these shows pays their salaries."
Ellen Pompeo, who stars on Grey's Anatomy, couldn't help but defend Ripa for her stance.
"Okay @fleissmeister... that's some handle bro! Your show does NOT pay @KellyRipa salary. Also we don't attack successful women on our network and men certainly cannot take credit for their success. Don't get me started on your show cuz I'm a savage.... #bachelorsoooowhite"
Two days after Ripa's comments, current Bachelorette Hannah Brown, who is only 24 years old, was on Live! Ripa prodded the show again, joking that they could "get Brown out."
"You seem like a lovely girl. You blink twice, I will get you out of here," Ripa added.
She went on to further explain why she doesn't like the show, but did ask how the show works with a woman as the main contestant.
"I am very against women fighting over a guy," Ripa explained. "I don't believe in it. I think it's, you know, weird and sets us back. But now, you are in the power position. So, take me through that. How does that work?"
"Like you, I didn't really follow the show, wasn't a big fan," Brown admitted. "But, being a part of the show, it's not women fighting against each other. Really, some of my best friends came from the show and were really supportive. When you have a group of 30 people together, there's going to be people who don't like each other. That's simple facts."
"But, ultimately, it was one of the most empowering things that I ever have done because I had to push myself and grow as an individual, and I did," Brown continued. "And I think that's why I decided that I wanted to be the Bachelorette and wanted that so bad."
After the show, Brown spoke to Entertainment Tonight, saying Ripa just doesn't "get it."
"I think Kelly and I just agree to disagree," Brown, 24, told Entertainment Tonight. "I don't think anybody can really get it until you're there. And I also, at first, was very skeptical of the show, but I'm here now and I wouldn't be the Bachelorette if I didn't believe in the process and how it has made me so empowered to be myself."
Personally, I agree with Ripa. The whole premise of the show is ridiculous, plus most of the time, the couples don't stay together anyway.
[H/T: People]
