Howie Mandel Defends Himself After Andy Cohen’s Criticism Over Tom Sandoval Interview

Howie Mandel has clapped back at Andy Cohen after the latter slammed him following an interview with Tom Sandoval. Speaking to Extra, the “America’s Got Talent” judge insisted that he’s well aware about the “Vanderpump Rules” star and his affair drama.

“I don’t need to do homework. I know who [Tom] is. I know what show he’s on,” Howie told host Billy Bush on Wednesday, April 12. He’s referring to Andy who claimed that Howie “didn’t do his homework” ahead of his sit-down with Tom on “Howie Mandel Does Stuff” podcast.

The 67-year-old TV personality went on to say, “It’s very funny to me now watching everybody else – like, I didn’t even know some of the names of the people that are in the show, and I’m getting hit hard for not knowing those names.” He continued that while he “[doesn’t] watch” the Bravo reality show, he “wanted to give [Tom] a place where he can kinda spew his side.”

Howie added, “He cheated on his girlfriend with her best friend. I still don’t understand why it’s big, international news.” He said that he didn’t “commend” the bar owner “for being vulnerable and removing the stigma for mental health.”

The “Deal or No Deal” host further explained that he never planned to “weaponize” Tom’s actions. “I’m not gonna judge it. I’m not gonna argue with you. I’m not gonna call you out. It’s not a deposition; it’s a podcast,” he shared, noting that he saw the Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras frontman as a “visibly shaken, visibly damaged” “human being.”

“I probably feel just as bad for the girl he cheated on, the girl he cheated with and everybody who feels like I let them down by not asking the right question,” he divulged.

Meanwhile, in response to Andy’s diss, Howie claimed that it was “an honor” to be named Andy’s “jackhole” of the day. “It’s funny because they say that I didn’t do homework? It’s very funny because I’m watching some of the people … talk about what I did, and they have some very funny takes on me,” he noted.

Howie also addressed Lala Kent’s comments on his interview. Of the “Vanderpump Rules” star, he said, “Lala in her [Instagram] Story … she’s sitting in some hotel room in New York, in the dark, saying that the lighting was bad on my podcast. She’s in the dark! That was her criticism!”

Howie’s remarks came after Andy blasted him in the Tuesday, April 11 episode of “Watch What Happens Live”. “Tonight’s Jackhole [of the Night] goes to the fact that Howie Mandel apparently didn’t know what he was getting himself into with his interview of Tom Sandoval today. Because it seems like maybe he didn’t do his homework?” the Bravo executive producer said.

“Now both Sandoval and Howie are being dragged on social media,” Andy cheerfully added. “Howie, you have to be careful before you take a side. Bravo fans are very passionate.”