Kelly Ripa and Mark Consuelos have been married for 28 years, but even their seemingly perfect relationship has its ups and downs. 

Recently, a past moment of tension between the couple has resurfaced, following an uncomfortable on-air conversation about divorce on LIVE with Kelly and Mark.

Last year, the couple opened up about some of their relationship struggles when they invited their personal therapist, Dr. Linda Carter, onto their show. 

During the discussion, they sought advice on how couples who work together

—like themselves—can handle disputes without letting them interfere with their professional dynamic.

A Chilly Reception During a Public Event

During their chat with Dr. Carter, Kelly posed a question about navigating work-life balance after an argument.

“Let’s say a couple has an argument at home, and they have to go to work together. What’s the best way to deal with that?” she asked.

Dr. Carter suggested that couples develop a small gesture to signify that an argument is on hold, such as holding hands or giving a reassuring squeeze to show that, at least for now, the issue can be put aside.

Mark then recalled a specific moment when he attempted to do just that. He shared that he and Kelly had a disagreement before attending a formal dinner party. Wanting to signal that he had moved on from the argument, he reached for her hand during the event. However, instead of receiving a reassuring squeeze, he was met with an icy response.

“What I felt on the other side of my warmth was the coldest, deadest hand,” Mark recounted. “When she’s happy with me, she gives me a squeeze, a little touch. But that night, it was like a corpse. I was holding a corpse.”

Kelly laughed off the moment, but Mark insisted she had done it intentionally.

Too Much Togetherness?

During the same discussion, Kelly also revealed that at times, Mark can be a little too clingy. When she asked Dr. Carter how couples could maintain personal space while spending extended time together—especially during the pandemic—she admitted she struggles with this herself.

“Sometimes, if I go into another room to get space, somebody walks in right behind me,” she said, looking at Mark. Without hesitation, he admitted, “Yeah, I do that.”

Kelly went on to explain that while she loves being with her husband, she occasionally needs a moment to herself. Mark acknowledged her concerns and jokingly promised to give her more space when she asks for it.

An Awkward On-Air Discussion About Divorce

The resurfaced story about Kelly’s frosty dinner party gesture comes at a time when the couple had another uncomfortable exchange on LIVE. During a recent episode, Kelly brought up an article she had read about the increasing number of “gray divorces,” referring to separations among couples over 50.

“I was talking to Mark about it, and Mark got very defensive,” she revealed.

Mark jumped in, explaining that Kelly returned home from a trip excited about the article. “You came home from the trip, and you were like, ‘I read this amazing article!’” he said.

Kelly then joked that the way the article was written almost made her feel like she wanted to get a “gray divorce” herself.

Her comment visibly caught Mark off guard, and their back-and-forth left viewers divided. While some found their exchange relatable and humorous, others felt uncomfortable watching the conversation play out.

Fans React to the Tension

The awkward moment did not go unnoticed by fans, who quickly took to social media to share their thoughts.

One viewer commented, “She used the article to make him feel insecure. That can work two ways. The guy clings, or he walks out the door. Risky business.”

Another added, “There’s some truth in every joke, and he looks nervous.”

Others felt Kelly was being too casual about the topic of divorce, with one viewer writing, “Divorcing as an older adult is horrible for many of us who’ve gone through it. How lovely that she’s able to joke about it so cavalierly.”

However, some viewers defended the couple’s dynamic, with one fan saying, “I like them together; they are relatable.”

A Long-Lasting Love, Despite the Occasional Chill

Despite their occasional tense moments, Kelly and Mark have built a strong marriage over nearly three decades. The two first met in 1994 when Mark auditioned for All My Children, where their on-screen chemistry soon turned into a real-life romance. They eloped to Las Vegas in 1996 and have been together ever since, raising three children—Michael, 27, Lola, 23, and Joaquin, 22.

While their marriage isn’t without its challenges, Kelly and Mark’s ability to joke about their disagreements in public suggests that their bond remains strong. Whether it’s a chilly handhold or a debate about divorce, the couple continues to navigate the ups and downs of their relationship with humor and honesty.

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