Mets Announcer Howie Rose Faces Backlash for Rehab Joke About Ingrid Andress

by Nicholas Edwards · 17/07/2024

Mets announcer Howie Rose faces criticism for joking about country star Ingrid Andress entering rehab after her viral national anthem performance at the MLB Home Run Derby. Learn more about the incident and responses.

Bollywood Fever: New York Mets announcer Howie Rose came under fire for making a joke about country star Ingrid Andress entering rehab following her viral performance at the MLB Home Run Derby.

On Tuesday, July 16, Rose posted on X, formerly Twitter, “I will make sure my ears say hi to her. They’re in rehab too,” referencing Andress’ off-key rendition of the national anthem at the event.

I will make sure my ears say hi to her. They’re in rehab too. https://t.co/cvf3lJqDin
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) July 16, 2024

The remark quickly drew backlash from fans and followers. “Howie I normally like your sense of humor but this ain’t it man,” one person commented. Another wrote, “Love and respect you Howie, but this is cruel and wildly out of line.” A third follower added, “Wow! Disappointing to hear you speak so nasty about someone who came forward about struggling with addiction.”

Mets Announcer Howie Rose Faces Backlash for Rehab Joke About Ingrid Andress

Rose, 70, responded to the criticism with a follow-up post: “Okay, maybe that was harsh. Can’t all be gems.”

Andress, 32, became a talking point after her performance at the Home Run Derby in Arlington, Texas, on Monday, July 15. Her off-key rendition of the national anthem quickly spread across social media. The following day, Andress openly admitted her mistake, posting, “I’m not gonna bulls–t y’all, I was drunk last night. I’m checking myself into a facility today to get the help I need. That was not me last night. I apologize to MLB, all the fans, and this country I love so much for that rendition.”

She concluded her message with a touch of optimism: “I’ll let y’all know how rehab is. I hear it’s super fun. xo, Ingrid.”

Following Andress’ announcement, Rose had initially posted another critical comment: “Just a thought. What must the rejected auditions for anthem singer at the Home Run Derby have sounded like?”

Just a thought. What must the rejected auditions for anthem singer at the Home Run Derby have sounded like?
— Howie Rose (@HowieRose) July 16, 2024

Despite the criticism from Rose, Andress received an outpouring of support after her candid admission about seeking help.

Country singer Cassadee Pope commented on Andress’ Instagram post, “You’ve got this. Sending encouragement and love ❤️.” Actress Lucy Hale, who has been open about her own struggles with alcoholism, offered her support, writing, “I’m so sorry you’re going through this. Sending you a lot of my thoughts. Take care of you & you’re going to come out of this so much stronger❤️.” Former American Idol judge and songwriter Kara DioGuardi also defended Andress, stating, “To the people who know nothing about this woman or her talent, Shame on you for having no compassion or empathy.”