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'Howie Mandel is rude': 'AGT' judge slammed for taking a jab at Sofia Vergara's relationship status

Howie Mandel returned with another awkward moment for fans to watch just weeks after mocking Sofia Vergara

PASADENA, CALIFORNIA: Howie Mandel returned with another awkward moment for fans to watch, just weeks after digging down on a previous comment about 'America's Got Talent' co-judge Sofia Vergara's new single status.

Only this time, it required fans to send out tweets and comments begging the judge not to further comment on his co-star's romantic life.

Orlando Leyba, a stand-up comedian, danced onto the stage. He began by making jokes about his 20-year marriage. "I don't trust married dudes who work out and have a six-pack. What are you? Terry Crews?" The comic cracked a joke.

"I love your plan... You threw out a million pitches, and every one of them was a home run," Judge Howie said.

"Comedians have the hardest time because you have to feed off the audience... You are naturally funny," Simon Cowell concurred.

"I can totally see you filling a lot of seats in Las Vegas," Heidi Klum added. "You're likable, relatable, adorable," Sofia added, counting that "America must vote for you."

"You love relationship comedy, right?" Howie asked Sofia after Orlando's set on relationships and faithfulness.

Internet says 'leave Sofia Vergara alone' after Howie Mandel's remarks 

Howie's comments weren't taken lightly as fans believe this was most likely a reference to Sofia's recent breakup with her long-term spouse Joe Manganiello.

On X, fans took an issue of the situation as they wrote, "I'm hoping Howie and Sofia are friends in real life which makes him so comfortable making fun of her publicly. Although her facial reaction didn't look too pleased with him."

Another person chimed in, "Okay, That was just not okay Howie. Stop making jokes about Sofia’s Relationship status, Like we don’t care. Your being really rude and obnoxious as a 67 year old Judge on the world’s biggest Talent Show."

One user further quipped, "Howie Mandel threw a major shot at Sofia Vergara." A fourth fan tweeted, "Howie is incredibly rude about Sofia and I'm glad that comedian called him out on it."

On Reddit, a person noted, "Leave Sofia alone, Howie. Jesus. Enough. It’s just mean." While others added, "First time it's like ok whatever. But he keeps bringing it up and it's just blah."

Who did 'AGT' judge Sofia Vergara marry at 18?

Sofia married Joe Gonzalez, her high school love when she was 18 years old. Manolo, their first child, was born in September 1991. In 1993, they divorced. After dating for two years, Sofia and her boyfriend, Nick Loeb got engaged in 2012.

Who has a crush on 'AGT' judge Sofia Vergara?

Rapper Yung Gravy has made no secret of his feelings for Sofia. In December 2021, he posted a fake image of himself with the actress in a photoshopped faux engagement post that appeared to be shared by her. He again confessed his infatuation with Sofia the following year.

How much did 'AGT' judge Sofia Vergara's wedding cost?

Sofia and her ex-husband Joe Manganiello had a spectacular wedding in November 2015, which cost the pair $3 million.

When will 'AGT' Season 18 Qualifiers 5 air?

New episodes of 'AGT' Season 18 air on NBC every Tuesday and Wednesday at 8/7c. However, Qualifiers 5 will air on Tuesday, September 19 (performance show) and Wednesday, September 20.

The fifth week of 'AGT' live performances for Season 18 will be back with 11 of the 55 overall acts performing in front of judges Simon, Howie, Heidi, and Sofia, as well as host, Terry Crews.