Kelly Ripa didn’t show up to work on Wednesday, sparking rumors that she’s protesting ABC owner, Disney.
Ripa’s absence comes the day after ABC announced that her co-host, Michael Strahan, will be leaving Live! With Kelly and Michael to join Good Morning America. According to CNNMoney, a source said, “She is beyond angry. Beyond.”
Strahan has been on the show since 2012, and for the past couple of years has appeared on Good Morning America twice a week. Come September, he will be joining the cast full time. Ripa, who recently celebrated her 15th year on Live!, and Michael Gelman, the executive producer of the show, reportedly weren’t told about Strahan’s plans until just a few minutes before they were announced to the public.
A spokeswoman for Live! told CNNMoney that Ripa simply “had the day off,” but didn’t mention when to expect her back. Saturday Night Live alum Ana Gasteyer filled in for Ripa on Wednesday morning. Considering neither she nor the show had promoted her appearance beforehand, it seems as if it was a last minute decision.
“I’m always available to co-host. I’m always going to be a part of this family,” Strahan said, discussing his departure. He ended the show by saying, “Kelly, I thank you, I love you.”