Kelly Ripa jokes about getting a ‘gray divorce’ from Mark Consuelos but fans don’t find the humor

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA: On 'Live with Kelly and Mark', Kelly Ripa, 54, left both her audience and co-host and husband Mark Consuelos, 53, in shock when she brought up the idea of a "gray divorce" live on air, as reported by the Daily Mail.

The casual mention of the topic had fans buzzing and Mark was visibly taken aback by his wife’s comments.

Kelly Ripa shocks with 'gray divorce' comment on-air

During the segment on Friday, October 11, Kelly Ripa discussed a recent magazine article she had read about the rising trend of "gray divorce," referring to the increasing number of separations among couples aged 50 and older.

The talk show host revealed she had shared the article with Mark Consuelos, which, according to her, didn’t sit well.

"I was talking to Mark about it, and Mark got very defensive," she told viewers, hinting at their private conversation.

Consuelos chimed in, recalling, "You came home from the trip and you were like, 'I read this amazing article!'"

Ripa then playfully added that the article was so compelling, it even made her feel like she wanted a "gray divorce" too, causing a mix of laughter and surprise in the studio.

Kelly and Mark's love story began in 1994 when they crossed paths during his audition for 'All My Children', the soap opera that catapulted both of them to fame.

They eloped to Las Vegas on May 1, 1996, and have remained inseparable ever since, building a life together and raising three children.

Kelly Ripa discussing ‘gray divorce’ with Mark Consuelos sparks reactions online

Kelly Ripa’s recent lighthearted mention of a “gray divorce” during a live segment of 'Live with Kelly and Mark' ignited a wave of reactions online, with fans weighing in on the appropriateness of the remark and its potential impact on her marriage to Mark Consuelos.

One viewer took issue with the joke, warning, "Kelly Ripa may yet live to regret that so-called joke one way or another. If she’s enjoying a stable and happy marriage with Mark, she shouldn’t be complacent and tempt fate. Many women didn’t plan to be divorced in their 50s and would be devastated. Even wealthy women feel the sting of divorce."

"The joy of being married to the same woman for 32 years is amazing. Going through the hard times together makes life rich and meaningful. So thankful I found a good wife," a user said.

However, some criticized Ripa's comedic approach, saying, "Never a fan of Kelly Ripa. She always tries very hard to be funny, but nothing about her jokes is funny."

Several fans took a more balanced stance, suggesting, "Kelly and Mark have been together forever. I hardly think she broached the subject to make him uncomfortable, nor do I think he was particularly bothered by it."

One critic noted, "That is not something to be joked about. Certainly not live on the air. She hurt him deeply by saying it."

Another wrote, "She's mean! Why would you talk about divorce like that with your loving husband? Anything for ratings, I guess."

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.