Michael Strahan Is Disappointed That He Was "Painted as the Bad Guy" in the Kelly Ripa Feud

It's been a few months since Michael Strahan and Kelly Ripa's feud rocked the Live! set, but the Good Morning America cohost is giving his side of the story in the latest issue of People. After "blindsiding" his costar with his sudden exit from the show, the 44-year-old opened up about his unfair portrayal in the media. "The most disappointing thing to me was that I was painted as the bad guy, because I value the way I carry myself," he told the magazine. "I don't want people to see me as 'Oh, he just ran out, just left them there.' That's just not true."

Following Michael's announcement, Kelly decided to take a few days off, but their working relationship wasn't exactly easy upon her return. "I wasn't surprised by her reaction at all, but I can't control somebody else's actions," he said. "I was there four years, and it's about more than just being in front of the camera." As far as their friendship goes, Michael admits he isn't really sure where they stand. "At one point I think we were friends. I don't know what happened at the end. I learned a lot from her, though."