Howie Mandel, famous for his “don’t touch me!” catchphrase, shocked fans in September 2023 by hugging Reba McEntire on The Voice. Known for his severe fear of germs due to obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), Mandel usually avoids physical contact. However, his excitement led to the unexpected embrace.

Mandel has been open about his daily struggle with OCD, describing the pandemic as “absolute hell” for worsening his fears. Though he appears lively on screen, he admits he often feels scared off-camera, relying on humor and medication to cope.

By sharing his experiences, Mandel hopes to raise awareness about mental health, highlighting the challenges while encouraging open conversations.