Howie Mandell Reacts to Criticism Over His Comment About Sofía Vergara's Relationship Status

Howie Mandel is still buzzing over the reaction he got from that cheeky comment about costar Sofía Vergara's newly single relationship status.

In fact, the comedian is standing by the joke he made about the Modern Family alum being "in the market" for a new man on the Aug. 22 episode of America's Got Talent—given her recent divorce from ex Joe Manganiello.

"I think everybody needs to take a shot at Sofía," Howie exclusively told E! News on the Aug. 30 episode (airing tonight at 11 p.m.). "I got killed for that last week to say she's on the market, but she is. And it isn't too soon. Last year was too soon. When Joe is in the house, it's too soon. Joe is out of the house, it's open season people!"

After making the quip on last week's live show, the 67-year-old assured viewers Sofía took the jest in stride.

"She is doing great," Howie added. "She is a wonderful, beautiful, strong, funny lady."

Howie made headlines for making light of the 51-year-old's breakup when 12-year-old competitor Brynn Cummings performed a magic and ventriloquism act in which she asked fellow judge Heidi Klum to help her puppet find an eligible bachelor.

"If I have one word of advice," he said following the act, "if you're looking for eligible bachelors, you should've talked to Sofía 'cause she's in the market right now."

Sofía laughed off Howie's comment by shouting "yes" as she threw her hands in the air, but host Terry Crews tried to change the subject. "No," he replied. "No, we are not doing that here."

Last month, Sofía and Joe announced they are breaking up after seven years of marriage.

"We have made the difficult decision to divorce," the former couple said in a joint statement July 17. "As two people that love and care for one another very much, we politely ask for respect of our privacy at this time as we navigate this new phase of our lives."

The True Blood alum officially filed for divorce two days later.

For more exclusive scoop from the AGT judges, watch E! News tonight at 11 p.m. Keep reading to look back at Sofía and Joe's love story before their split.

The A-list couple stun at the 2023 Vanity Fair Oscars Party in Beverly Hills on March 12.

Vergara and Manganiello enjoy a romantic getaway to Italy in the summer of 2022.

The two tour the stunning Italian countryside.

Vergara gets support from her hubby and son on set during the final day of filming Modern Family in 2020.

The duo celebrate Valentine's Day 2020 with a sizzling Instagram pic.

Manganiello and Vergara attend the 77th Annual Golden Globe Awards in L.A. in January 2020.

The duo celebrate New Year's Eve on Dec. 31, 2019.

The True Blood alum holds his lady tight while celebrating her 47th birthday in July 2019.

The couple shares an adorable photo while celebrating Valentine's Day 2019.

Vergara presents her other half with The Shooting Star award during the 2019 Maui Film Festival in June 2019 in Wailea, Hawaii.

The famous couple got spooky with Sofia Vergara's son Manolo for Halloween 2018.

The duo got all dressed up for a night on the town.

We just want to find someone that looks at us like these two look at each other.

It's a love story, we're so glad they said YES!

The couple enjoyed a much needed vacay together.

Their love for each other is undeniable!

It's no secret that this Hollywood couple shines in everything they do, especially together.

Sofia Vergara threw her husband the ultimate Coachella-themed 40th Birthday Bash.

They are the definition of color-coordinated couple goals.

According to a source, "They work out together, watch football together, go out to eat and to movies."

Whether it is the 4th of July or New Years Eve, this happy couple is celebrating together.

Not sure what we love more: This beautiful couple or the stunning view behind them.

 "Joe makes Sofia feel like she is the most important woman in the world," says our E! insider.

Why Netflix & chill when you can get dressed up and attend the Solo: A Star Wars Movie premiere together?

"I've never seen two people so truly in love. The way they talk to each other, touch each other—it's incredible," said a friend of the couple.

Sofia Vergara and Joe Manganiello said "I do" on November 21, 2015.

According to a friend of the couple, "She thinks he's gorgeous and sexy and she can't get enough of him. He is the nicest guy in the world and treats her like a queen. He's everything."

Joe Manganiello popped the question to Sofia Vergara on December 25, 2014.

The couple did some last minute shopping ahead of their first Christmas together.

Joe Manganiello and Sofia Vergara made their official red carpet debut as a couple at the Star Wars: The Force Awakens world premiere.

America's Got Talent airs Tuesdays at Wednesdays at 8 p.m. on NBC and streams next day on Peacock.

(E!, NBC and Peacock are all part of the NBCUniversal family).

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