Actor and reality television personality Michael Rapaport has found himself at the centre of a significant controversy following the latest episodes of the hit Peacock series, The Traitors U.S. Viewers and fellow cast members alike have strongly condemned Rapaport for a cutting remark directed at former Bachelor star Colton Underwood, with many branding the comment as overtly homophobic.
The incident unfolded during the tense atmosphere of the Roundtable in episode five, which aired on a Thursday night. As the game dynamics intensified and accusations flew, Rapaport targeted Underwood, who had been previously banished but maintained his innocence as a Faithful. Rapaport’s barb insinuated that Underwood’s prior long-term concealment of his sexuality made him uniquely suited to deception within the game.
The Controversial Exchange at the Roundtable
Colton Underwood’s journey, both on and off-screen, has been widely documented, particularly his high-profile coming out in April 2021 on Good Morning America, which followed his tenure as the lead of The Bachelor. Rapaport, seemingly aiming to discredit Underwood’s claims of being a Faithful, pointed directly at him and stated:
“Nobody in this room would be better at holding a secret than you.”
The implication—that Underwood’s years spent concealing his identity as a gay man made him an expert liar—drew an immediate and pained response from Underwood. “There it is,” Underwood retorted. “You think it was fun for 29 years of my life?” he challenged Rapaport, referencing the period before his public transition.
Rapaport, sensing the immediate negative reaction, attempted a hurried clarification, insisting his comment was purely game-related. “Oh no, no, no, no, no — that has nothing to do with it. I think you came into this game loving the idea of being a Traitor,” he tried to pivot, suggesting Underwood enjoyed the strategic ambiguity of the game role.
Immediate Backlash from Cast and Viewers
The fallout from Rapaport’s remark was swift and severe, extending beyond the online sphere and directly into the The Traitors house. Fellow contestants were quick to call out the perceived insensitivity and malice behind the statement. Figure skater Johnny Weir, who also competed in the season, offered a powerful rebuttal during the episode’s confessional segments.
Weir Condemns the 'Closet' Implication
Weir articulated the reality of living closeted, stating unequivocally, “You can’t blame somebody being forced into a closet for the majority of their life.” This sentiment resonated strongly with viewers who felt Rapaport had crossed a line from competitive banter into personal attack based on sexual identity.
Other cast members, including Maura Higgins and Yam Yam Arocho, were shown agreeing with Weir, describing Rapaport’s comment as a “very low blow.” For fans watching at home, the incident sparked widespread discussion across social media platforms, dominating conversations related to the show's fourth season. Many viewers expressed disappointment in Rapaport, who has often cultivated an outspoken, unfiltered persona, arguing that this particular instance crossed the line into prejudice.
The Nuance of Reality TV Conduct
This incident reignites long-standing debates about the boundaries of acceptable behaviour and commentary within the high-pressure environment of reality television. While shows like The Traitors thrive on suspicion, betrayal, and personal jabs, critics argue that commentary touching upon deeply personal aspects of a contestant’s life, especially those involving identity struggles, should be off-limits.
Rapaport’s career has often been marked by his unfiltered, often confrontational style, frequently expressed on his podcast and social media channels. However, within the structured, filmed environment of a competition show, these actions are subject to immediate scrutiny from a global audience acutely aware of social responsibilities.
The Independent reached out to a representative for Colton Underwood for comment regarding the exchange. As the season progresses, the long-term impact of this moment on Rapaport’s standing within the show, and his public perception, remains to be seen. For now, the controversy stands as a stark reminder of how personal history can be weaponized in competitive settings, leading to significant public condemnation.
Fans are eagerly anticipating how the remaining episodes will address this fractured relationship and whether Rapaport will offer a more substantial apology or face further isolation within the castle walls.
